According to a recent report by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the New England Patriots made a significant offer, both in terms of draft picks and contract terms, in their unsuccessful bid to acquire standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers.
Aiyuk was on the trade market for much of the offseason after he and the 49ers couldn’t agree on a contract extension. The 49ers held discussions with several teams, including the Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers, before eventually reaching a four-year, $120 million agreement with Aiyuk.
In a recent appearance on NBC Sports Boston’s Sports Sunday, Breer disclosed details of the Patriots’ offers to both the 49ers and Aiyuk.
Reportedly, the Patriots were willing to trade a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-rounder, and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, a package that San Francisco found acceptable.
Additionally, the Patriots proposed two extension offers to Aiyuk: one for three years at $90 million and another for four years around $130 million. Although these offers were more lucrative than the contract Aiyuk eventually signed with the 49ers, he declined, preferring to stay in San Francisco. The decision was likely influenced by the Patriots’ current struggles, including a shaky offensive line and an uncertain quarterback situation, contrasted with the 49ers’ strong playoff prospects and Aiyuk’s familiarity with their system.
