The New England Patriots are in the market for a wide receiver, and have been shopping around for options in free agency and the trade market.
With the news of Tee Higgins likely being franchise tagged, the Patriots will lose an option. But, there are still other players that the Patriots were interested in.
One such player was a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL world has known that Deebo Samuel has been on the trade block, but another 49ers wide receiver has drawn interest from the Patriots, and it’s Brandon Aiyuk.
Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders on Saturday night, eliminating a target for the Patriots.
According to Phill Perry of NBC Sports Boston, the Patriots have expressed interest in Aiyuk. The wide receiver trade market has a lot of intriguing names. Cooper Kupp, Aiyuk, and some others.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
With a clear need at wide receiver, the Patriots are likely to be involved in most discussions surrounding wide receivers on the market.
They pursued Aiyuk in 2024, and now have a chance after just one year on Aiyuk’s new deal.
The rumors of Aiyuk on the market are interesting, and were confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
When asked about the potential Aiyuk trade, Rapoport said that 49ers general manager John Lynch said “Those conversations are productive, they do want to get younger.”
Aiyuk tore his ACL in 2024, and might not be ready by training camp. But, he would be a massive help for Drake Maye and the Patriots offense.
