Looks like the rumor mill’s been working overtime on Brandon Aiyuk, but Patriots’ HC Jerod Mayo’s keeping it low-key. In a recent tweet from ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss, Mayo deflected questions about Aiyuk’s potential move from the Niners with classic coach-speak. 

“One thing I did learn from Bill [Belichick] is that I don’t talk about players on other teams,” New England’s HC said. “But if I were to be honest with you, that’s more like an elite question. Right now, I’m just focused on the guys out here.”

Despite Mayo’s poker face, the trade rumors are heating up. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco revealed that the San Fran team’s laid out trade frameworks for Aiyuk with both the Patriots and the Browns. Now it’s on Aiyuk to decide which deal suits him best. 

“The 49ers have negotiated the framework of trades that would send wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns or the New England Patriots, a league source told NBC Sports on Monday night.” Maioco highlighted. 

Aiyuk, fresh off a darn good season with 1,342 receiving yards, 75 catches, and seven TDs, could be the key piece the Patriots need. The Steelers and Commanders reportedly showed interest in the veteran wideout too, amid his looming contract situation. Per Maioco’s report, New England’s offer includes former Niners’ WR Kendrick Bourne and draft picks. 

If the 26-year-old picks New England, it will give the Patriots’ offense the true WR1 they’ve been missing while giving a big boost to rookie Drake Maye. But if he goes with the Browns, it means swapping out the five-time Pro Bowl champ, Amari Cooper.

Amari Cooper could be on his way to the Niners in Aiyuk trade

If the San Fran and Cleveland teams pull the trigger on an Aiyuk trade, Alabama’s product could be heading to the Bay. Per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Cooper is what’s missing from the Niners. 

Both Cooper and Aiyuk are entering the final seasons of their current contracts. The second-team All-Pro wideout’s set to make $14.1M in his last year, while Cooper’s contract tweak has him earning just $1.21 million for 2024. Last season, Aiyuk lit it up with 1,342 yards and seven TDs, while Cooper only had 1,250 yards and five TDs. 

With San Fran gunning for a Super Bowl and dealing with Trent Williams’ holdout and Brock Purdy’s future contract, swapping Aiyuk for Cooper could be a game-changer. This trade could shake things up big time!