FOXBORO, Mass. — We know how Bill Belichick would’ve handled a question about Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors, but what about Jerod Mayo?
In a roundabout way, Mayo was asked about Aiyuk while meeting with New England Patriots reporters on Tuesday morning. And while the first-year head coach chose his words carefully, he also offered a bit more than Belichick ever would’ve given.
Jerod Mayo Open to Major Acquisition
Aiyuk, who wants a new contract, recently requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. The receiver-needy Patriots reportedly pursued an Aiyuk trade before the 2024 NFL Draft and contacted the Niners within the last month.
They, like other teams interested in Aiyuk, were told the star wideout isn’t available. Nevertheless, Mayo and the Patriots are open to landing a “big player” by any means necessary.
“We’re always interested in getting the best players on our team,” Mayo said when a reporter creatively asked about Aiyuk without naming him. “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.”
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Obviously, Mayo didn’t confirm the Patriots are exploring an Aiyuk trade — nor could he. But he didn’t shut down the idea, and he said more than, “I’m not commenting on players for other teams,” which is the line we would’ve gotten from Belichick.
But just how likely is an Aiyuk trade for the Patriots? Let’s get into it.
PFN Analysis: Brandon Aiyuk Trade Still Unlikely for Patriots
First of all, the Patriots should make a run at Aiyuk. It would be expensive — likely multiple draft picks, plus a lucrative contract extension — but Aiyuk would transform New England’s offense overnight. He also would bring needed excitement to an increasingly apathetic fan base.
But Aiyuk has no power in this situation. He’s under contract with the 49ers, who are under no obligation to trade him or pay him before free agency. Aiyuk could hold out of training camp and even the regular season, but it’s hard to envision a player who wants money willingly giving up millions.
At the end of the day, San Francisco has Super Bowl aspirations, and its best chances of winning a championship are with Aiyuk on the roster.
As for the Patriots, it’s all about the price. The contract shouldn’t matter — Aiyuk might want over $30 million annually — because they’ll need to pay a receiver a rich contract at some point. But the draft pick compensation is where things get tricky.
We recently floated three potential Patriots-Aiyuk trade packages, all of which require New England to part with at least a second-round pick. The rebuilding Patriots arguably shouldn’t be in the business of trading picks that could be used to address multiple big needs, including left tackle.
Furthermore, all signs point toward either Aiyuk or Tee Higgins (or both) hitting free agency next March. It’s not an immediately gratifying option, but the Patriots simply could wait until free agency, sign a star wideout, then use their picks to plug other holes.