Some around the NFL are labeling the San Francisco 49ers' offseason as a "fire sale," with the team allowing several veterans to leave in free agency and even trading away key assets like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Jordan Mason. One Patriots insider believes the 49ers might not be done yet, suggesting that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could end up in New England.

The Patriots expressed interest in Aiyuk last year when the 49ers were involved in a contract standoff with the receiver. San Francisco reportedly had the framework of a trade in place, but Aiyuk rejected the Patriots, making it clear he didn't want to play there and would not sign a new contract with the team. This shut down any possibility of a deal.


Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal believes a trade for Aiyuk could still happen (h/t to Peter Panacy of Niner Noise).

"Just like last offseason, I still believe in my bones the Patriots will find that receiver via trade, among the likes of AJ Brown and Brandon Aiyuk," Bedard wrote. "The latter is the best option given the firesale in San Francisco, but he won't be ready until at least midseason after major knee surgery."

The 49ers would receive significantly less for Aiyuk now than they would have last year. The receiver suffered a torn ACL and MCL in October. That injury, along with his hefty contract, diminishes his trade value. San Francisco signed Demarcus Robinson this offseason, but losing Aiyuk would leave the receiving corps needing more depth.

Earlier this month, Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard reported that the 49ers have "buyer's remorse" regarding the contract extension Aiyuk signed last year.

"There's absolutely tension that still lingers over that negotiation last summer, into the fall," Kawakami said. "And they did not like the price that they paid for him."


Last month, when asked about the ongoing Aiyuk trade rumors and teams inquiring about the receiver, general manager John Lynch didn't dismiss the possibility of a trade.

"Yeah, that typically happens with really good players," Lynch said. "I remember, I think two years ago, having similar conversations. You get calls, and you always listen to calls."

Bedard clearly believes the Patriots could still be in play for Aiyuk.

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