Brandon Aiyuk isn’t expected to be traded by Tuesday and therefore will spend the 2025 season in the Bay Area.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday morning reaffirmed how Aiyuk is set to receive a $22.85 million bonus from the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, as long as he remains on their roster. Aiyuk being on the Niners roster past Tuesday essentially means he won’t be traded and will play — or at least start the year — in San Fran.
“Once the 49ers pay that bonus, any trade talks for Aiyuk would be off, and he would be expected to spend the 2025 season in San Francisco,” Schefter wrote on X. “So Tuesday looms as Aiyuk’s unofficial trade deadline, and no deal currently is expected by then.”
The Patriots were viewed as a potential landing spot for Aiyuk via trade.
New England, some thought, could make a move for the pass-catcher given the team’s interest in him last offseason.
Such a trade felt far-fetched given the draft assets the Patriots would need to give up, along with the fact Aiyuk is coming off an injury. He’s less attractive this offseason.
New England handing the keys to head coach Mike Vrabel played a role in such thinking, as well.
The Patriots signed free agent receiver Stefon Diggs to a savvy contract last week.
And while they could still use a long-term solution at receiver, it’s more likely New England adds that player in the draft as opposed to the trade market.
