"After inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk's availability, the Patriots have decided not to explore any further trade possibilities with the 49ers regarding their standout wide receiver," Schefter wrote on social media. "Patriots are excited about their young receivers and want to focus on them."
It was rumored that the Patriots might have included former 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, along with draft picks, in a trade package for Aiyuk. Of course, any trade requires Aiyuk's willingness to go to the interested team. While he doesn't have a no-trade clause, his refusal to accept a contract from another team would derail any trade, which may have been the case with the Patriots.
This leaves the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers as the reported teams that have had deep talks with the 49ers about Aiyuk. The Browns and Patriots were considered the frontrunners to acquire the receiver. Aiyuk has never expressed an interest in joining the Patriots, with his preferred destinations believed to be the Steelers and Washington Commanders.
Aiyuk requested a trade before reporting to training camp. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that the 49ers gave Aiyuk's agent permission to speak to other teams to negotiate a contract, which might lead to a trade.
When asked if there remains a scenario where a long-term deal with Aiyuk could still be worked out, Shanahan responded, "There's a scenario for everything, so I wouldn't rule anything out."
Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on a team-exercised fifth-year option. He seeks the security of a long-term deal and hopes to become one of the NFL's top-paid receivers. It remains unclear if that will be with the 49ers or elsewhere.