The team from Foxboro that once dominated the NFL under the Brady-Belichick era is finding it difficult to attract star players to play with them. For some time, the Patriots seemed to have a real shot at landing the 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. However, their hopes quickly evaporated, as Aiyuk wasn’t interested in making the move. Although the Patriots were ready to pay Aiyuk over $30 million per season, it wasn’t enough to bring him to New England.
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Talking about this possible trade on The Stinkin Truth Podcast, NFL Legend Mark Schlereth expressed his views on the situation. “I think as a player you have to think about as you’re evaluating what your value is where you want to play like I mean. Hey, I want to be the highest-paid dude or one of the highest-paid dudes. But I don’t want to go over there because they suck, and we’re never gonna win,” Schlerath stated.
Well, Schlereth might be right about the Patriots’ current situation. Even though they are ready to throw the bag at star players, it might not be the hottest destination in the NFL. With rookies like Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Demario Douglas, the Patriots might be lacking in firepower within their roster. Aiyuk could have been an excellent receiver option for QB Jacoby Brissett, who signed a one-year deal with the Patriots. But it was a long stretch, as the Patriots might have to wait for some time before top players start showing interest in playing for them.
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Continuing on the subject of Aiyuk’s possible trade move in the future, Schlereth also pointed out the importance of the WR staying with the 49ers. Claiming the 49ers as one of the top three rosters currently in the NFL, Schlereth cited, “You’ve got this incredible roster with a great organizational structure with one of the smartest head coaches in football like you got to understand that there’s value in that.”
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Looking at San Francisco’s roster, the NFL legend might not be wrong. With skilled players like George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey being the best at their positions, the 49ers remain the team to beat this upcoming season under an offensive-minded coach like Kyle Shanahan. But will Aiyuk stay at Levi’s Stadium next season with multiple team’s interest? The next few days might be critical for the 49ers and their star WR’s NFL career.
Looking at Brandon Aiyuk’s possible switch to the Steelers
When it comes to Brandon Aiyuk’s footballing abilities, he might be the best at his position. With noteworthy body control and flexibility, the All-Pro recorded 75 passes for 1,342 yards while adding seven TDs last season. Having said that, if he were to make the switch to the Steelers, Aiyuk could blend right in under OC Arthur Smith. Compared to the 49ers, the WR might have a bigger role to play under Smith, who uses two or fewer WRs in his game plan.
Although the Steelers already have another WR in George Pickens, Brandon’s addition to the mix could be phenomenal for Smith’s offensive plans. Don’t forget that Steel City also possesses Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as quarterbacks. Even those two could benefit from Aiyuk’s presence when trying to create something off-script. But whether Wilson or Fields will be a success under Smith is a different talking point altogether.
Moreover, Aiyuk could play under a coach like Mike Tomlin, who is renowned for his man-management skills. He could make Aiyuk feel special for his abilities, which Shanahan didn’t appreciate enough. The 49ers coach had his favorites on the roster, like Deebo Samuel, but Aiyuk wasn’t one of them. As we move closer to the NFL regular season, we can’t help but wonder whether Aiyuk will stay at the 49ers or join another team that offers him the contract he wants.
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Himanshu Sridhar