Jerod Mayo explains how Patriots can become free-agent destination again
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo speaks to the media as the Patriots hold practice at Gillette on Aug. 1. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
FOXBORO — The Patriots’ failed pursuit of disgruntled 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk via trade last week highlighted a tough reality for the once premier franchise in the NFL.
New England is no longer a destination.
Despite being offered a reported $32 million per year, which would have made him the second-highest paid wideout in the NFL by average annual value, Aiyuk told the Patriots no. The 25-year-old declined their overtures after the team had been in contact with San Francisco’s front office for months amid Aiyuk’s contract dispute with the team. Aiyuk is not the first star to pass on the new-era Patriots.
In March, then free-agent wideout Calvin Ridley chose Tennessee over New England and the Jaguars, his most recent team. The Patriots extended an offer of $22 million per season, before Ridley inked a 4-year deal with an average annual value of $23 million and $50 million tot
al guaranteed.
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