NFL Rumors: Brandon Aiyuk Turned Down Patriots Trade, Contract over QB Concerns

Even though the New England Patriots have reasons to be optimistic about their future at quarterback, Brandon Aiyuk's concerns about that situation reportedly led to him rejecting a trade to the team.

On the Scoop City podcast (starts at 7:25 mark), The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Aiyuk turned down a contract offer from the Patriots that would have paid him around $32 million per season because he "doesn't believe" their quarterback situation is at the level he wants right now.

Russini added that Aiyuk's preference is to play for a team that is capable of making a playoff run immediately.

NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported on Monday that the San Francisco 49ers had the framework of a trade worked out with the Patriots and Cleveland Browns for Aiyuk, but it was contingent on the star wideout agreeing to an extension with either club.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have also been mentioned as a potential trade destination for Aiyuk, but Russini reported on Wednesday the 49ers haven't been satisfied with their offers and they want a wide receiver back if they trade the 26-year-old.

Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots ended their pursuit of Aiyuk even though they were willing to make him "one of the top five highest-paid wide receivers" by average annual salary.

A contract worth $32 million per season would have tied Aiyuk with A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles as the second-highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Justin Jefferson ranks No. 1 on that list with a $35 million annual salary on his four-year, $140 million extension from the Minnesota Vikings.

Aiyuk has engaged in a hold-in since the 49ers opened training camp while waiting for a resolution to his contract situation. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday he wouldn't rule anything out regarding a trade or keeping Aiyuk and potentially giving him a new deal.

The Patriots are in the process of trying to develop Drake Maye into becoming their starting quarterback, but Jacoby Brissett could enter the regular season as QB1. Maye will almost certainly get the job at some point after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

It would make things much easier for Maye if he had a true No. 1 wide receiver to throw to. The Patriots might find that type of player at some point, but it doesn't seem like it's going to be Aiyuk.

Aiyuk was named to the All-Pro second team last season. He set a career high with 1,342 receiving yards and ranked second in the NFL with 17.9 yards per catch.