Jerod Mayo fuels Brandon Aiyuk speculation with hint about Patriots' roster-building approach

There is one name that is floating around the NFL right now, and the Patriots are a team who have been in those discussions.

San Francisco 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade after the two sides have not agreed on a new contract. And while the team has made it clear they don't intend to trade him away, it might come down to that if he won't play.

So could he come to New England?

The Patriots certainly have the money.

And on Tuesday before the start of training camp, Jerod Mayo was asked a roundabout question regarding the rumors that the Patriots are interest in Aiyuk.

He isn't ruling out the possibility of adding another star.

“We’re always interested in getting the best players on our team,” Mayo said. “Whatever that looks like. Look, we’re third on the waiver wire as well. There will be some quality players that get released for various reasons and we’ll have an opportunity to improve our roster. So, if you’re going to sit there and ask me ‘Would we take a big player no matter what position?’ Absolutely. Absolutely. Not only today, but in the future.”

Pro Football Talk reported in recent days that five teams were interested in trading for Aiyuk and paying him the money he desires. One of which was New England, who offered a second-round pick. And considering how much cap space they have this year and next year, they will certainly be in a position to pay him the roughly $28 million that he wants.

Similar to Aiyuk, Matthew Judon is another player who is hoping for a new contract. While the Patriots made him an offer, the two sides have not come to an agreement. The linebacker has not requested a trade, but he did add fuel to the fire by retweeted a trade proposal that would send him to the 49ers.

One person floated the idea of the Patriots trading Judon and a second round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for WR Brandon Aiyuk and a 5th round pick. The trade was proposed on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Judon reposted it.

New England could then extend the wide receiver and the 49ers could do the same with Judon.

Judone is a clear fan favorite, with many hoping that the team will keep him around so he can retire as a Patriot. However, at the age of 31 (he will be 32 in August), Judon did just suffer a season-ending injury last year. So that brings into question how much longer he will play for.

And based on his skill level along with his production the past couple of years, he is looking for a big contract. That's something the 49ers might be willing to give him, while the Patriots can focus on improving the offense.