FOXBORO, Mass. — Eliot Wolf, the de facto general manager of the New England Patriots, met with reporters on Sunday ahead of the team’s 16th training camp practice. The executive vice president of player personnel spoke on multiple topics, including the Patriots’ failed pursuit of star receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Why Did Patriots Pull Out of Brandon Aiyuk Sweepstakes?
Earlier this month, the Patriots reportedly agreed with the San Francisco 49ers on the “framework” of a trade involving Aiyuk, who requested a trade earlier this offseason amid his desire for a new deal. Roughly 24 hours after the report dropped, New England pulled out of the Aiyuk sweepstakes.
Multiple reports indicated Aiyuk had no interest in playing for the rebuilding Patriots despite their willingness to offer a lucrative contract extension, and head coach Jerod Mayo seemingly confirmed that speculation.
During Sunday’s press conference, Wolf was asked to explain why he gave up on trading for Aiyuk.
“Just kind of a feel,” Wolf said. “It was sort of a situation where he’s still in San Francisco, and that hasn’t been worked out from their standpoint yet. We just felt, organizationally, our young receivers have had a really good week, and they’re continuing to progress.
“So, we’re excited about those guys.
LIVE: Eliot Wolf Press Conference 8/18: https://t.co/9K2LZTI2oA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 18, 2024
Could the Patriots Still Trade for Aiyuk?
As of Sunday morning, Aiyuk still was a member of the 49ers. San Francisco reportedly has agreed to trade terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but John Lynch and company have remained committed to extending Aiyuk.
Nevertheless, the Aiyuk situation remains fluid. And, on Saturday, Michael Silver of The San Francisco Chronicle suggested Aiyuk could change his mind and accept a trade to the Patriots or Cleveland Browns.
Wolf was asked whether the Patriots had closed the door on acquiring Aiyuk.
“Yes, at this point,” he said.
Things obviously could change, but that was a definitive answer from Wolf.
Are Patriots Exploring Deals for Other Top Receivers?
New England’s young receiving corps has impressed during training camp, but there’s no doubt the Patriots still need a true No. 1 target. With other disgruntled receivers looking for new contracts — CeeDee Lamb and Courtland Sutton come to mind — Wolf was asked whether New England had explored trading for someone other than Aiyuk.
“We make calls on all positions, on all players, that we think might be able to help us,” Wolf said. “And sometimes it’s just trying to gather information from other clubs and kind of see what they’re thinking of for their roster.”
The Patriots’ receiving corps currently is led by DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Javon Baker, and Kendrick Bourne. There might be one spot on New England’s depth chart up for grabs, though a second could open if Bourne (ACL rehab) begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton, and Jalen Reagor are the top in-house candidates for the final spots. Veteran receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was released last month.
The Patriots also hold the No. 3 spot in the waiver order, which could prove useful after roster cutdowns.