Sources -- Patriots won't pursue trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk - ESPN

After inquiring about 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 who had been in contact with the Niners about a potential trade for Aiyuk, along with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN.

New England had been attempting to acquire Aiyuk for months, and it had been a slow process from their side, according to sources. New England was willing to make Aiyuk one of the top five highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL in terms of average salary per year, a source said.

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 the past couple of sessions. He has, however, been attending meetings and participating regularly in those.

The Niners confirmed earlier 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,» 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