Patriots Shockingly Emerge As A Frontrunner For Star Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots finally made the decision to rebuild this offseason as they moved on from Bill Belichick and ended the Mac Jones experiment. The expectations from the Patriots for the 2024 season are as low as ever as they intend to evaluate first-time head coach Jerod Mayo and their young core. The offensive side of the ball will almost certainly take time as No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye adjusts to the NFL and young pass-catchers like DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker continue to improve.

General manager Eliot Wolf, however, doesn't seem interested in waiting it out. According to the latest rumors, the Patriots are emerging as one of the favorites to trade for star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers.

NFL Rumors: Kendrick Bourne is the Likeliest Trade Chip in a Potential Aiyuk Deal

The most common trade chip going the 49ers' way in these scenarios is Kendrick Bourne. The 29-year-old pass-catcher started his career in San Francisco and was in the midst of the best season of his career last year before tearing his ACL in Week 8 against the Dolphins. Considering the fact that they are familiar with Bourne's game and he is under contract for three more seasons, the 49ers could potentially be interested in a package consisting of Bourne and draft capital.

For the Patriots, this would signify an immediate talent upgrade. Aiyuk made second-team All-Pro last season and is coming off an impressive 75 catches, 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns season. He is also only 26 years old and should have a couple of years as one of the best receivers in the league.

On the other hand, he is expecting a massive contract extension. The market for elite receivers has hit the $30 million per year range. At such an early stage of a rebuild, would it be wise for the Patriots to pay Aiyuk that kind of salary?

Realistically, the Patriots will not be competitive in the next couple of years. They need their best players to hit their prime when Maye is hopefully ready to be a good quarterback. As great as Aiyuk is, he doesn't necessarily fit that timeline.

Giving up significant draft capital as a non-playoff team is usually not a smart idea. Whether Aiyuk is good enough of a player to make an exception is in the eye of the beholder.

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