Despite some talented receivers testing the free agency market this offseason, the Patriots were unable to sign any of them, even with the notion that they'd have to overpay to bring them in. We saw their attempt at that with Chris Godwin, a longtime Buccaneer, who chose to pass on a blank check from New England to stay in Tampa Bay, adding to the Patriots' offseason losses.
They also missed out on Cooper Kupp, who the Rams released at the start of the new league year, and did not get seriously involved in trade discussions for D.K. Metcalf or Deebo Samuel. That forced the new regime to state that they were still evaluating available free agents and considering their trade options ahead of the next month's draft.
That explains why Stefon Diggs was in for a visit last week and their increased interest in veteran Tyler Lockett, but neither were signed until earlier this week when the Patriots shockingly announced a three-year deal to make the former Bills receiver a New England Patriot.
The 31-year-old is a solid addition to the receiving corps and immediately gives Maye the best weapon to work with for the 2025 season. Despite his mid-season injury that might hinder his immediate impact with the team, he is reportedly well ahead of schedule in his recovery and should be ready to go for Week 1.
Even with that in mind, the Patriots could still look for a longer term solution at receiver via the trade market, like Brandon Aiyuk, who they targeted last offseason when he was seeking an extension, but Aiyuk shut down the possibility of being traded to New England due to their questionable quarterback room and head coach. That wouldn't be a problem this year with Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel firmly in those roles, but any hope of Aiyuk being traded was just swiftly taken off the table.
The latest reports suggest the 49ers are not interested in trading Brandon Aiyuk anytime soon
Any lingering hope that the Patriots could pull of a blockbuster trade for a WR1 with the 49ers for Aiyuk this offseason has just been demolished by the latest reporting from The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
During a recent episode of her podcast, the insider shared her thoughts on the possibility that Aiyuk will be dealt before his big payday next week, and it's safe to say that the chances of that happening are much slimmer than they were just one week ago.
For much of the offseason, rumors have suggested that San Francisco was not thrilled with the contract they awarded Aiyuk last season to keep him from leaving, and they were more than willing to test the trade market for him, especially since they have appeared to be cleaning house with their roster in free agency.
That put the Patriots at the front of the line, even if Aiyuk rejected their trade offer last year, because they need his kind of talent on the offense for Drake Maye to work with.
Rumors also stated that the 49ers were willing to listen to calls for trade offers including as high as a third round draft pick, which the Patriots could happily offer since they have a second pick due to the Matthew Judon trade, or even as low as a fifth rounder, an absolute steal for a player like Aiyuk. That price makes sense, however, given he's coming off an ACL injury and could miss half the 2025 season because of it.
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to matter anymore with the 49ers on the hook for a big payday next week and their apparent unwillingness to move on from Aiyuk.
It's a hit to their potential plans to pull off a big-time trade, yet the addition of Diggs makes it feel like not as big of a deal as it would have even just a few days ago. It shouldn't completely take them out of the trade picture, though, given Diggs' age. If an opportunity arises, it might be too good to pass up. However, they're at least better on offense for now, so Aiyuk being off the table isn't as significant a concern now.
