The New England Patriots are approaching the 2024 season with new expectations under the leadership of Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf.
Rookies arrived at the facility on July 19, with veterans joining them on July 23. The team aims to shift the narrative that has surrounded them since Tom Brady’s departure.
This offseason, management has been focused on ensuring rookie quarterback Drake Maye has the right support to succeed.
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As training camp approaches, a veteran player might be looking to leave town.
Patriots Rumors: Matthew Judon Suggests Potential Trade to 49ers
EDGE Matthew Judon is seeking a new long-term contract from New England as he heads into the final year of his four-year, $54 million deal signed in 2021.
There hasn’t been significant progress on a new deal, and Judon appears open to being part of a trade involving San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk.
Judon recently retweeted about the team’s failure to pursue Aiyuk despite having plenty of draft picks and cap space, suggesting he might be interested in being included in any trade for the receiver. At 31, Judon has been a strong performer for New England, recording 32 sacks over the past three seasons.
The Patriots have expressed interest in acquiring Aiyuk but haven’t completed a deal yet. With the season approaching and both Judon and Aiyuk seeking new contracts, it might make sense for New England to consider including Judon in any trade package. His future with the team seems uncertain, and his age could be a factor in the team’s reluctance to offer him a large contract.
Trade Assets the Patriots Might Use to Secure a Deal for Brandon Aiyuk
On Tuesday, 2023 All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk reportedly made an official trade request from the San Francisco 49ers. The two sides have been unable to agree on a contract extension as Aiyuk, who is 26 years old, enters the final year of his rookie deal.
Aiyuk, a 2020 first-round pick, has surpassed 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. In his standout 2023 season, he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards. His addition would significantly boost the Patriots’ offense.
Here are three potential trade pieces the Patriots might use to acquire Aiyuk:
3. Marcus Jones
If the 49ers are looking to swap one of their top offensive players for a defensive upgrade, Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones could be a promising option. The cornerback position is a weak spot for San Francisco, and with their focus on winning now, they might be willing to trade Aiyuk to bolster other areas of their roster.
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Jones, who played offensive snaps during his rookie season, demonstrated explosive speed with a 48-yard touchdown on a screen pass. He was also an All-Pro punt returner, leading the NFL in punt return yards and becoming the first player in 45 years to score touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams in a single season. For an inventive offensive mind like Kyle Shanahan, Jones could be a versatile asset.
Jones missed the final 15 games of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury, so the Niners would need to weigh his 2022 performance against his injury history. While Jones would likely need to be paired with additional trade assets, his all-around playmaking ability makes him a valuable trade chip in negotiations.
