Patriots drop out of Brandon Aiyuk trade sweepstakes in NFL stunner

The Patriots are seemingly out of the race for Brandon Aiyuk. 

New England did indeed inquire about the 49ers receiver’s availability, however, they opted not to look into it any further, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday night. 

The 49ers and Patriots had the framework of a trade in place if the Pats were able to work out a long-term deal with Aiyuk, but NBC Sports Bay Area reported that the receiver had no shown interest in going to New England. 

The Patriots reportedly had a “large” offer on the table, the outlet reported.

Several teams have reportedly been interested in Aiyuk, including the Patriots and the Browns, as it seems more likely that the receiver will be dealt with his contract stalemate persisting 

The Browns have a framework for a deal in place with San Francisco as well, and the Steelers have re-engaged with the Niners to work on a deal, Pro Football Talk reported. 

The biggest issue — at the moment — preventing anything from getting done remains the extension that Aiyuk is seeking from whichever team is in the hunt to acquire him.

Aiyuk is likely looking to become one of the top-paid players at his position after Vikings star Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract with $110 million guaranteed earlier this offseason. 

Aiyuk is going into the final year of his rookie contract and is slated to be paid $14.124 million in 2024. 

The 2020 first-round pick requested a trade in July but did report to training camp although he is not participating in team activities. 

Aiyuk is coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high 1,342 yards and pulled in seven touchdowns.