When Kendrick Bourne was a no-show for the Patriots’ camp, it sent literal shockwaves through Patriots Nation. “No Kendrick Bourne out here to stretch for the first time in a long time,” tweeted reporter Mike Kadlick, and fans didn’t hold back their reactions. Comments like “Uh oh” and “Oh s**t” flooded in, with some even speculating about Bourne’s future.

One fan summed it up: “They told him to stay home and pack.” The Pats nation is split with frustration and confusion, wondering why the team’s parting ways with a player who was all in and wanted to stick around. “NgI NE doing KB dirty. He’s one of the only players who openly wanted to be here,” one user remarked. 

The speculation turned to certainty for others, with comments like “So it’s official then. Aiyuk to the Pats,” and “Aiyuk is definitely coming to New England.” The outcry’s real, as many feel Bourne’s loyalty is being tossed aside. As one fan put it, “He must be so pissed. He was committed to the team and now they’re just gonna trade him away.” 

As the trade rumors heat up, journalist Ari Meirov’s added more fuel to the fire. Per verified reports, the San Fran team’s already given Brandon Aiyuk the green light to negotiate with specific teams, including Jerod Mayo’s Pats and the Browns. The Patriots would send Bourne and draft picks, while the Browns would send Amari Cooper and potentially some picks as well. 

As of right now, details about the 26-year-old’s willingness to join either team remain unclear. The Commanders and Steelers also showed interest but didn’t finalize any deals. In the midst of all this, Patriots Nation’s left wondering about the future of their team’s receiving corps. Will the trade winds blow Aiyuk elsewhere or will he star in New England?

New England HC Jerod Mayo clears up Aiyuk trade rumors and previews Pats’ QB battle 

With rumors linking Kendrick Bourne to a potential Aiyuk swap, the Pats’ head coach cleared the air. “Honestly, I did talk to [Bourne], and it was a good conversation,” Mayo revealed. “Once again, I feel like the story is so much further along than anything else, I just wanted to clear the air. I do believe in being transparent with the players and really just setting those guys at ease.” 

On another front, the Pats are eyeing their QB situation with a keen eye. While veteran Jacoby Brissett is the likely starter, all four QBs—Brissett, No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and sixth-rounder Joe Milton III—are set to see action in the preseason opener against the Panthers.

Mayo hinted that Brissett will likely start, but don’t be surprised if that changes by game time. As the Pats gear up, the drama of the Aiyuk trade rumors is just one chapter in an action-packed preseason.