Patriots’ Bold Move: Could Brandon Aiyuk Be the Next Big Addition?

Stefon Diggs Joins the Patriots – But Is That Enough?

The New England Patriots took a giant leap toward revamping their struggling receiving corps by signing four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a lucrative three-year contract worth up to $69 million. This move immediately upgrades an offense that was one of the NFL’s worst in 2024. However, despite Diggs’ arrival, the Patriots may not be done making moves.

With second-year quarterback Drake Maye leading the offense, the Patriots need additional firepower to complement Diggs and create a formidable passing attack. One potential target? San Francisco 49ers standout Brandon Aiyuk, who could be on the move before the critical April 1 deadline.

Why the Patriots Still Need More Help at Wide Receiver

Even with Diggs, the Patriots’ offense lacks depth at the receiver position. In 2024, no Patriots wideout surpassed 100 targets. Tight end Hunter Henry led the team with 97 targets, underscoring the glaring need for another reliable pass-catcher.

Diggs, on the other hand, has consistently been a high-volume target. Before his injury-shortened 2024 campaign, he logged at least 160 targets in three of the previous four seasons. But as talented as Diggs is, he can’t do it all alone. If New England wants to maximize Maye’s potential and push for a competitive season, they need to add another top-tier receiving option.

Brandon Aiyuk: A Prime Trade Target for New England

Aiyuk, a former first-round pick in 2020, has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers. However, due to financial constraints, the 49ers are under pressure to move him before April 1, when his $22.85 million roster bonus kicks in. If San Francisco keeps him past that date, they absorb a significant cap hit—something they may not be willing to do given their recent cost-cutting efforts.

That’s where the Patriots come in. With an estimated $71.9 million in salary cap space even after their recent free-agency spending spree, New England is one of the few teams financially positioned to absorb Aiyuk’s contract.

A Trade Proposal That Makes Sense for Both Teams

Boston sports analyst Matt Couture recently proposed a trade scenario that could benefit both franchises. Under this proposal, the Patriots would send veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and a third-round pick (No. 77 overall) to San Francisco in exchange for Aiyuk.

Bourne, who previously played for the 49ers before joining New England in 2021, could provide San Francisco with a familiar and reliable target at a lower cost. Additionally, the third-round pick gives the 49ers added draft capital to retool their roster. Given their financial situation, moving Aiyuk for a solid package makes sense.

Could the Patriots Pull Off Another Trade to Offset the Cost?

While trading away their third-round pick might seem costly, the Patriots could recover draft capital through another move. One intriguing possibility is sending third-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for the No. 112 overall pick.

Boutte, a former LSU standout, showed promise in 2024 with 589 receiving yards. However, with Diggs and potentially Aiyuk in the mix, his role in New England’s offense could diminish. Moving him to the Saints, where he could have more opportunities, might be a win-win for both teams.

What Would Aiyuk Bring to the Patriots?

Aiyuk would immediately provide Maye with another elite receiving option. He has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has consistently shown the ability to create separation, make contested catches, and be a deep-threat weapon.

Pairing Aiyuk with Diggs would give the Patriots one of the most talented receiver duos in the AFC. It would also allow Maye to develop with two premier targets, accelerating his growth as the team’s franchise quarterback.

Final Thoughts: Will the Patriots Make the Move?

The Patriots have already made a splash with the signing of Stefon Diggs, but acquiring Brandon Aiyuk could take their offense to the next level. With the 49ers facing financial pressure, New England has a unique opportunity to capitalize on the situation. If Bill Belichick’s successor is serious about building a contender around Drake Maye, pulling the trigger on an Aiyuk trade would be a bold and strategic move.

With the April 1 deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on New England. Will they make another blockbuster move? Patriots fans certainly hope so.