The Patriots faced challenges in the free-agent market, particularly in acquiring a top-tier wide receiver. While they came close to securing Calvin Ridley, he was enticed by Tennessee’s lack of state income taxes. However, they were far from being competitive in pursuing players like Mike Evans and Michael Pittman.
Despite this setback, the receiver group is expected to see improvement with Kendrick Bourne’s return and the addition of free agent KJ Osborn, though neither can fill the role of a primary receiver. The Patriots are likely to address this need in the NFL draft, possibly utilizing their second-round pick at No. 34 overall.
However, if the Patriots aim to acquire the best receiver to bolster their offense, a trade has always been their most viable option. The most attractive trade prospect appears to be Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers, given the salary cap constraints and strained team-player relationship.
Bleacher Report suggests that a substantial package could be offered by the Patriots to the 49ers, finally providing them with the top target they desperately require.
Affordable Draft Compensation for Brandon Aiyuk
Gary Davenport, a writer at Bleacher Report, has outlined the proposed trade deal as follows:
“Patriots Get: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 2024 Round 5 Pick (No. 176)
49ers Get: 2024 Round 2 Pick (No. 34), 2024 Round 4 Pick (No. 103), 2025 Round 2 Pick.”
Considering all factors, the proposed trade package seems reasonable for the Patriots, especially given Brandon Aiyuk’s young age (he just turned 26) and potential for several productive years ahead. It’s unlikely the 49ers would agree to trade Aiyuk without receiving a first-round pick in return.
While the Patriots wouldn’t part with their No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, they could offer their first-rounder from 2025 instead of a second-rounder to sweeten the deal. This adjustment might be sufficient to finalize the trade.
Davenport suggests that the Patriots’ current receiving corps lacks a standout player, with DeMario Douglas likely being their top receiver, which doesn’t pose a threat to opposing defenses. This deficiency could hinder the development of the Patriots’ new quarterback.
Without the option of the third overall pick, the Patriots might need to include multiple second-round picks in their offer to the 49ers. However, a 2025 second-rounder could still hold significant value, especially if it’s projected to be a high pick in the round. Additionally, including a third pick just outside the top 100 could further incentivize the 49ers to agree to the trade.
Patriots Could Offer More (& More) Money
Aiyuk’s desire to win could pose a challenge for the Patriots in persuading him to join, especially since he’s in the final year of his contract and seeking an extension. However, if the Patriots were to draft LSU star quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 3 pick, it could strengthen their case. Daniels and Aiyuk had a successful connection during their time together at Arizona State, making the Patriots a more appealing option for Aiyuk.
Furthermore, the Patriots’ ample cap space enables them to offer Aiyuk a lucrative contract, potentially making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. Aiyuk’s projected market value at Spotrac is $24 million annually over a four-year, $96 million deal, which may exceed the 49ers’ budget. However, the Patriots could comfortably accommodate this salary and even offer slightly more. While they may not match Tyreek Hill’s $30 million per year with Miami, they could approach Davante Adams’ $28 million per year, which ranks second among all receivers.
Despite Aiyuk’s exceptional performance in the previous season, where he earned All-Pro honors with 1,342 yards on 75 catches and seven touchdowns, the 49ers may be open to trading him due to the lack of progress on an extension. Although they would prefer to retain him, the stalled negotiations leave room for the Patriots to potentially make a surprising move.
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