Necessity is the mother of invention. Just extrapolate this to the Patriots‘ future, as they try to find the road ahead. Free agency tested their resolve for progress. And so far, they have failed, at least in terms of receiver depth. Cooper Kupp and Tee Higgins were available to them before quickly being taken out of the picture. Even the 49ers traded Deebo Samuel to the Commanders. Now, the Pats might grab their other wide receiver. Yes, we’re speaking of Brandon Aiyuk.
Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard claimed that the Pats could still make a U-turn after failing to snap him up last year. He said, “Just like last offseason, I still believe in my bones the Patriots will find that receiver via trade, among the likes of AJ Brown and Brandon Aiyuk. The latter is the best option given the firesale in San Francisco, but he won’t be ready until at least midseason after major knee surgery.”
However, the issue is also whether Brandon Aiyuk is ready to play for them. Last year, they made an offer which he rejected. Instead, he signed a 4-year $120 million contract extension with the Niners. But now they are going through buyer’s remorse. Also, they want fresher, younger talent, without a heavy price tag.
NEWS: The New England #Patriots are the FAVORITES to trade for #49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, per @BovadaOfficial.
Brandon, 27, was an All-Pro in 2023, where he had 1,342 receiving yards & 7 touchdowns, a WR1.
Aiyuk is due a 23 million dollar roster bonus on April 1st. pic.twitter.com/VSob55KJ8x
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 20, 2025
Aiyuk was going through an average 2024 season till the week 7 matchup against the Chiefs when he injured his ACL. In those 7 games, he had 25 receptions for 374 receiving yards and zero touchdowns. He might return somewhere in the 2025 season (no confirmation when). So, the 49ers want to part away with him. And they would like a fast deal, considering he has a $23 million roster bonus due on April 1st. It’s a race against time!
While the 49ers are releasing or trading away anyone they can, the Patriots are finding it hard to sign up players. After missing out on other ace WRs, they are meeting with every available option.
Amid Brandon Aiyuk rumors, Patriots meet another ace WR
On Wednesday, March 19, the Mike Vrabel-led franchise surprised their fans. It was through a meeting with the receiver, Stefon Diggs. He had 6 back-to-back seasons with 1000+ receiving yards with the Vikings and Bills. Last year’s unfortunate season-ending injury in his first season with the Texans spoilt that track record. But the talent is obviously there.
A free agent now, the Pats might be trying to reach an agreement with Stefon Diggs. They met with him, trying to get an idea of when he would return from his knee injury. They also have to discuss things like the franchise environment. We know Diggs can heat up things once he lands. Last year, a reporter claimed that Josh Allen could have success without the receivers to which he replied, “You sure?”
There’s also an age factor. He is already 31 years old. That’s 4 years older than Brandon Aiyuk. So, if they had a choice between both receivers, they would have longer playing time with the 49ers’ star. However, there are other things at play as well. Diggs, being a free agent, can be persuaded for a much cheaper deal.
The Patriots have had a slow start. Now things are heating up. After seeing other teams grab talented firepower, they are now stepping up their efforts, targeting Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs. For Mike Vrabel, it’s a make-or-break year. Robert Kraft has shown that he can get above his personal likes and fire people if they don’t give the results he wants. How do you think 2025 will go for the Pats?
The post NFL Rumors: Patriots to Make a U-Turn on Brandon Aiyuk After a Year Despite Mike Vrabel’s Meeting With Stefon Diggs appeared first on EssentiallySports.