Bills Rival Patriots Out on Receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Reason Revealed

While the Buffalo Bills are unlikely to offer any sympathy to the New England Patriots in their failure to land San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the Pats’ decision to disengage in trade talks will have repercussions throughout the division.

Having officially requested a trade after both sides were unable to agree on terms for a contract extension, the 26-year-old is now looking for a fresh start.

Fortunately for the Bills, Aiyuk will almost certainly be catching passes outside of New England, as well as the AFC East.

"The Patriots had an agreement in place with the 49ers and a large offer to Aiyuk on the table, but he did not show interest in going there," Maiocco said.

The 6-foot, 200-pound receiver is coming off a season in which he had 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games. His versatility from both the boundary and in the slot makes him a veritable top option at the position. With New England, he would be well-positioned to showcase his skills in the vertical passing game — either with Maye, or projected starter Jacoby Brissett.

Eight wide receivers currently average at least $25 million per season on their contract, and Aiyuk could be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $30 million annually. Aiyuk’s most-likley suitors remain the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.