Patriots Eyeing Beleaguered 49ers WR Aiyuk in Free Agency

New England looking to add another receiving threat to pair with Romeo Doubs after releasing Stefon Diggs.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The New England Patriots are reportedly interested in signing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is set to be released by the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk, a former 1,000-yard receiver, has been hampered by injuries and contract disputes in recent years, but could provide a bargain option for the Patriots as they look to bolster their receiving corps.

Why it matters

The Patriots' lack of wide receiver talent was exposed in their Super Bowl loss, and adding a player like Aiyuk could give them another big-bodied deep threat to complement Romeo Doubs. If Aiyuk can return to his previous production levels after recovering from a serious knee injury, he could be a steal in free agency.

The details

Aiyuk had back-to-back 1,000-yard, 7-touchdown seasons with the 49ers in 2022 and 2023 before suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee in 2024. He did not play at all in 2025 as he recovered from the injury. Prior to the injury, Aiyuk was on pace for over 900 yards in 2024. The Patriots are in need of receiving help after releasing Stefon Diggs, and Aiyuk could provide a big-bodied deep threat to pair with the emerging Romeo Doubs.

  • In 2024, Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee in Week 7.
  • Aiyuk did not play at all during the 2025 NFL season as he recovered from the knee injury.
  • The Patriots are expected to pursue Aiyuk in free agency ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Brandon Aiyuk

A wide receiver who has had back-to-back 1,000-yard, 7-touchdown seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, but has been hampered by injuries and contract disputes in recent years.

Romeo Doubs

A wide receiver for the New England Patriots who led the Green Bay Packers in receiving last season, but is not considered a dominant No. 1 option.

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots.

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What’s next

The Patriots will need to evaluate Aiyuk's health and recovery from the knee injury as they decide whether to pursue him in free agency.

The takeaway

The Patriots' need for receiving talent was exposed in the Super Bowl, and adding a player like Brandon Aiyuk on a prove-it deal could provide them with a high-upside option to pair with Romeo Doubs and bolster their passing attack.