In a blow to the Patriots’ ego, New England’s ambitious bid for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk fell through.
Despite the Patriots’ efforts to finalize a trade and offer Aiyuk a monstrous contract, the wide receiver opted not to sign an extension, effectively halting the deal.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has now shared his thoughts on the matter.
Mayo, reflecting on the situation, stated, “When we start winning games, players will want to join us. As we build our culture and strengthen the roster, excitement will follow.”
The Patriots have historically been a coveted destination for players, but recent seasons have seen a shift in this trend.
With Tom Brady long gone and Bill Belichick no longer at the helm, Mayo is tasked with crafting a new team culture.
The arrival of rookie quarterback Drake Maye could potentially reinvigorate the team’s appeal if he’s able to live up to the hype.
Should the Patriots exceed expectations this season and if Maye proves to be a standout quarterback, the team might once again become an attractive option for top-tier players.
Although there is significant concern over Maye’s footwork and the fact that the organization is hesitant to speed-up his development process.
As the Patriots head into the final stages of the preseason with games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, they will look to set a positive tone before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the regular season.
Mayo’s challenge will be to build a successful team culture without Aiyuk on the roster. It certainly won’t be an easy task. After all, the Patriots are regarded by some as the worst team in the league.
It’s safe to assume that Mayo, who has never been a head coach before, will endure several growing pains of his own.
Regarding Aiyuk’s future, after rejecting offers from both the Patriots and the Cleveland Browns, it appears he may either remain with the 49ers or be traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation after the team’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.
“I met with Brandon a bunch here since we started out camp, and I’m not going to get into any personal things between us,” Shanahan said.
“I feel the same [way I did when] I talked to you guys last week. I mean, I am hopeful, and I do think it can [get done], but like I said last week, everything’s open. But hopefully, it does.”
What do you think ends up happening with Aiyuk?
As for the Patriots, will New England once again become an attractive destination under Mayo’s watch? … Or are those days over???