The New England Patriots are one win away from yet another Super Bowl appearance - their 12th in franchise history - and while much of the spotlight has been on the defense and coaching transition under Mike Vrabel, there’s another storyline quietly fueling their postseason run: the resurgence of the wide receiver room.
Not long ago, this group was widely viewed as one of the weakest in the league. But that narrative has shifted, and a big reason why is the presence of Stefon Diggs.
Before Diggs arrived in Foxborough, the Patriots were actively pursuing a top-tier receiver to reshape their offensive identity. Among the names they chased?
Brandon Aiyuk.
Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf made a strong push to land Aiyuk in the past two offseasons, reportedly offering more guaranteed money than the 49ers. But Aiyuk chose to stay in San Francisco, signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the Niners.
Now, less than a year and a half later, that decision appears to be unraveling. According to 49ers GM John Lynch, Aiyuk has “played his last snap as a Niner,” a statement that follows reports from November indicating Aiyuk had stopped participating in team activities. That absence voided the guaranteed money in his 2026 contract and set the stage for his release.
So, the question now becomes: Should the Patriots revisit their interest in Aiyuk?
On paper, it might seem tempting. Aiyuk, a former second-team All-Pro, is still just 28 and has shown flashes of being a dynamic playmaker. But timing and fit matter - and right now, New England has something that’s working.
Diggs wasn’t just a fallback option when Aiyuk stayed put in the Bay Area. He became the catalyst for a cultural shift inside the Patriots’ locker room. Signed to a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, Diggs brought veteran savvy, elite route-running, and a competitive fire that’s been contagious.
His numbers speak for themselves - 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns - but what doesn’t show up on the stat sheet is arguably more important. Diggs has emerged as a vocal leader, setting the tone for a young group of receivers that has grown more confident and productive as the season has progressed. He’s helped turn a weakness into a strength, and his presence has been a key reason why the Patriots are still playing in late January.
That’s not to say Aiyuk isn’t talented. But the situation in San Francisco raises some red flags.
After signing that massive extension, his role diminished. In just seven games this season before suffering a torn ACL and MCL, Aiyuk managed 25 receptions for 374 yards - a pace that would’ve landed him at 61 catches for 907 yards over a full season.
Solid numbers, but not game-changing. And certainly not what the 49ers expected when they handed him $120 million.
Injuries happen, and players can bounce back. But the bigger concern might be the off-field disconnect. If a player distances himself from team activities and ends up voiding guaranteed money in the second year of a new deal, that’s a tough sell for a Patriots team that’s clearly building something rooted in accountability and buy-in under Vrabel.
New England doesn’t need to chase names anymore. They’ve got their guy in Diggs.
They’ve got a young core that’s growing around him. And they’ve got a team-first culture that’s working.
Bringing in Aiyuk - even at a discounted price - could disrupt that progress.
The Patriots had their shot at Aiyuk, and he passed. That’s fine.
It led them to Diggs, and that move has paid off in a big way. Now, with a Super Bowl berth on the line, it’s clear this team is better off for how things played out.
Sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don’t make.