Buying or Selling Patriots' Top Offseason Rumors, Performances Entering Training Camp

The New England Patriots are projected to be a work in progress for most of the 2024 season.

However, there is one move they could make that may vault them up a position or two in the AFC hierarchy.

The Patriots have been one of the teams constantly mentioned in the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes.

Aiyuk is reporting to San Francisco 49ers training camp, so that may put a damper on any potential trade talks for now.

The fact that the Patriots are even reportedly involved in the race for Aiyuk is a sign that the Patriots do not expect to be at the bottom of the AFC East for long.

Patriots Reportedly Offered 2nd Round Pick for Brandon Aiyuk

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported earlier this week that the Patriots offered a second-round pick for Brandon Aiyuk before the 2024 NFL draft.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo did not specifically mention Aiyuk when talking about roster improvements this week, but noted the team has eyes on improving the squad. per Boston.com's Khari Thompson.

"We're always interested in getting the best players on our team," Mayo said. "Now, whatever that looks like, we're third on the waiver wires, there will be some quality players that get released for various reasons and we'll have an opportunity to continue to improve our roster."

A potential trade for Aiyuk would give the Patriots a clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver that Drake Maye could work with for years to come.

However, it might be difficult for some to justify giving up a second-round pick when the team has so many roster holes in its current rebuilding stage.

An Aiyuk trade would have been worth it to at least improve the offense, and if that was the real offer, it shows the Patriots' willingness to be aggressive to surround Maye with the best possible talent.

Jacoby Brissett Leads Quarterback Competition

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 04: New England Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett (14) and Drake Maye (10) drop back during New England Patriots OTA on June 4, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The quarterback situation is the biggest storyline to watch in New England this summer.

Jacoby Brissett is still the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart with Drake Maye listed as his backup.

Mayo outlined where the quarterback situation currently stands as training camp begins. (h/t Yahoo).

"Coming out of the spring, I don't think there's any doubt, Jacoby is the starting quarterback at this point in time," Mayo said. "We can look at these other quarterbacks on the roster. At the same, it's about competition. So, when we get out on the field this summer, with the pads on, we'll see how it all plays out.

"Coming out of the spring, I think it's clear that Jacoby is the most pro-ready guy we have. He's played a lot of football."

Brissett holds the advantage over Maye because of all the experience he carries from being an NFL starter and backup.

The Patriots do not have to throw Maye into the fire in Week 1 because they are not in any rush to get back into the playoffs.

New England can take its time to develop Maye and wait until the middle of the season for him to take over for Brissett.

While some Patriots fans might want to see Maye right away, starting Brissett is the right move to buy into first so that the No. 3 overall pick is not overwhelmed when he makes his debut.

Tyquan Thornton Could Make Noise in Wide Receiver Competition

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 04: New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11) makes a catch during New England Patriots OTA on June 4, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Tyquan Thornton could make the wide receiver decisions tough on the coaching staff if he replicates his form out of OTAs.

Thornton had an impressive performance at OTAs, as noted by Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire (h/t Providence Journal).

"The second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft was showing off his speed and making multiple plays after separating from defenders," McElroy wrote. "It was a strong showing from a player the Patriots have patiently waited to see break out. Perhaps the mounting pressure from a new regime and a much-improved wide receivers room is giving him the extra motivation needed to take things to the next level."

Thornton's roster spot is under threat with a plethora of wide receivers currently on the Patriots roster.

Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ja'Lynn Polk, Demario Douglas and K.J. Osborn all enter training camp ahead of Thornton on the depth chart.

Polk and Douglas are cornerstones of the future, while Osborn was just signed in the offseason.

At least, or both, of Bourne and Smith-Schuster should hang around to help with Maye's development.

Although Thornton performed well in OTAs, it still may not be enough to push him ahead of one of the five wide receivers currently set to make the roster. He probably needs an injury or trade to make the 53-man roster regardless of performance.