Adam Schefter breaks down the Patriots backing out of the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes. (1:25)
After inquiring Brandon Aiyuk's availability, the New England Patriots have decided not to explore any further trade possibilities with the San Francisco 49ers regarding their standout wide receiver, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Patriots were one of three teams that had been in contact with the Niners a potential trade for Aiyuk, along with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN.
Aiyuk, a second-team All-Pro and the Niners' best receiver in 2023, was at the team facility Tuesday but did not participate in practice as he continued his hold-in. Through the team's first 11 practices of training camp, Aiyuk, 26, has often been spotted watching practice from the sideline, but that hasn't happened over the past couple of sessions. He has, however, been attending meetings and participating regularly in those.
The Niners confirmed early Tuesday that Aiyuk had received permission to negotiate with other teams but said there is still a scenario where a deal gets done to keep Aiyuk in San Francisco.
"It's been at this point for a little bit, so nothing really new to me," coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday. "You're always disappointed when you can't keep hold of all your players or it's not going exactly right. I don't like losing anybody, so that's why I'm hoping it does work out here. But right now, we don't have that solved yet. I hope it does."
The situation could lead to several outcomes, including Aiyuk staying with the 49ers and playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal that would pay him $14.124 million, sources said. Other teams are willing to pay Aiyuk more than twice as much, but he has balked so far at multiple offers, according to sources.
The 49ers also have to be comfortable with any trade compensation, and sources told ESPN that the reigning NFC champions are willing to keep Aiyuk.
"Brandon's a great player, so it's real hard to be better when you lose a great player," Shanahan said. "We've got to look into anything. We've got to understand the situation we're in, what that looks like, and it does take time -- so hopefully, it'll all work out the best for him and the best for us in the long run."
When asked reports linking the Browns to Aiyuk and whether he is a player who could help Cleveland, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, "I don't really get into reports or speculate. ... I'm really just focused on today and practice."
