Could the Brandon Aiyuk soap opera finally be coming to an end?
According to a report by Mike Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area , the 49ers have narrowed the field in the sweepstakes to take the talented but disgruntled wide receiver, with the New England Patriots emerging as the frontrunners.
The biggest hurdles remaining are whether or not Aiyuk will reach an agreement on the terms of a new contract, and the continued interest of the Cleveland Browns.
Earlier this offseason the 49ers permitted Aiyuk to negotiate with the Browns, Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders after talks of an extension fell apart.
With the Commanders stepping out of the race, and the Steelers failing to meet the 49ers’ trade demands, the Patriots and Browns have been the only teams to submit acceptable packages to San Francisco and Aiyuk.
The 49ers are reportedly seeking a package of draft picks and a veteran wide receiver in exchange for Aiyuk, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract.
Details of the Patriots offer haven’t been released, but Maicco expects wideout Kendrick Bourne to be included. Bourne played for the 49ers from 2017 to 2020 before joining New England as a free agent.
Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.1 million this season but is seeking a deal to pay him around $30 million annually.
After being acquired in a draft day trade with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Aiyuk has emerged as one of the top receivers in the NFL.
He’s coming off of the best season of his career. In 2023, he earned a Second Team All-Pro nod after playing in 16 of 17 games for San Francisco, with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
In four seasons he’s appeared in 62 games, totaling 269 receptions, 3,931 yards, and 25 TDs.
Last season, Ezekiel Elliott led the Patriots with 51 receptions, Demario Douglas had 561 receiving yards, and Hunter Henry caught six touchdowns, for the NFL’s 28th-ranked passing offense.
Adding someone of Aiyuk’s caliber would be a major upgrade as the Patriots move into the post-Bill Belichick era.
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