Patriots reported trade target believed to be holding in at training camp

There was a notable development at the San Francisco 49ers’ practice on Wednesday, and it could have a bearing on the New England Patriots.

49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk attended training camp, but he was not in uniform. Instead, he watched practice from the sideline, per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.

The Patriots have been connected in rumored trade offers for the wide receiver. They have struggled to find production at the skilled positions, and Aiyuk would give them a top option at receiver.

Aiyuk is coming off a productive 2023 season, as he tallied 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Aiyuk had neck and back soreness, but he also explained the situation as a “hold-in.”

“I don’t really know what it means,” Shanahan said, via Pro Football Talk. “It just means his back is sore today and his neck is sore. So going to stay out of practice, which obviously is a hold-in. And so we expected it, and I understand the situation fully.”

The Patriots reportedly offered a second-round pick for Aiyuk ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, but the 49ers turned them down. His decision to hold in could change the circumstances and make San Francisco reconsider that decision.

On Tuesday, coach Jerod Mayo said the Patriots are always interested in getting the best players on their team. Aiyuk is the kind of game-changing talent who would give the Patriots offense the spark it has been missing.