As Brandon Aiyuk rumors swirl, Pats are open to add a WR

The Patriots reportedly made an offer to the 49ers in an effort to acquire wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. San Fransisco reportedly turned down the deal, and Aiyuk remains on their roster.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo did not mention Aiyuk by name on Tuesday, but he was asked if the Patriots are looking for opportunities to acquire a big name receiver.

“We’re always interested in getting the best players on our team,” Mayo said. “Now, whatever that looks like, we’re third on the waiver wires, there will be some quality players that get released for various reasons and we’ll have an opportunity to continue to improve our roster.”

“So, if you’re going to sit there and ask me would we take a big player no matter what position, absolutely. Absolutely if it helps us get better, not only today but also in the future.”

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that the Patriots were one of several teams willing to pay Aiyuk’s desired salary of $28 million per year if they were able to acquire him via trade.

According to Florio, the Patriots offered their second-round pick (No. 34 overall) in exchange for Aiyuk. San Fransisco reportedly rejected the offer.

New England traded No. 34 to the Chargers in exchange for picks No. 37 and No. 110. The Patriots took receivers with both picks, taking Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk at 37 and Central Florida’s Javon Baker at 110.

Still, the Patriots are in need of a No. 1 receiver. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has since signed with the Cowboys, led the Patriots in receptions last year. DeMario Douglas, who led New England in receiving yards and targets last season, has yet to score his first NFL touchdown. Kendrick Bourne, who was on track to be the Patriots’ most productive receiver last season, is coming off of ACL surgery.

In addition to drafting Polk and Baker, the Patriots signed KJ Osborn from Minnesota during the offseason, adding to a receiver room that already includes Bourne, Douglas, Tyquan Thornton, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Kayshon Boutte among others.

Still, New England has made attempts to add a top pass catcher. They were in the mix for Calvin Ridley, but ended up losing him to the Tennessee Titans. Now they’ve reportedly had an offer turned down for Aiyuk.

This training camp is all about competition, Mayo said on Tuesday. The receivers who are there will have to battle not just for the right to stay in a crowded room, but also where they will fall on the depth chart with no clear cut No. 1 in sight.