Jerod Mayo’s ‘Magnets’ Theory Proved Correct In Brandon Aiyuk Situation

The New England Patriots need talented players who others want to play alongside.

“You want to get guys that are magnets,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said at the league meeting back in March.

New England might have that in rookie signal-caller Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it’s too early to confirm. And the top players in the league typically are not willing to bet on the unknown.

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It’s fair to think it played a factor with Brandon Aiyuk. The Patriots reportedly had a trade framework the San Francisco 49ers would have agreed to. They also were willing to give Aiyuk a top-of-market contract extension, which reportedly would have topped $30 million annually.

It didn’t matter. The Patriots are an unknown. They don’t have magnets.

Aiyuk’s preferred landing spot is the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to all accounts. The Steelers, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields competing at quarterback, don’t seem to have a magnet behind center either. But they have one in veteran head coach Mike Tomlin, who Aiyuk apparently wants to play for. Tomlin, unlike the first-year Mayo, is a proven commodity who consistently has his team in playoff contention.

The Patriots need Maye to become a magnet. Perhaps Mayo, too.

It’s not going to happen overnight for Maye, of course. We’re talking about a raw 21-year-old who hasn’t yet proven to be consistent through 11 training camp practices. He has shown the potential and upside. He’s shown his gifted physical skillset and seems to be growing more comfortable and confident when the live bullets are flying.

If Maye makes progress in those areas, he’ll will hit for the Patriots in the near future. If Maye hits for the Patriots, chances are he becomes a magnet. And then it becomes a lot easier to draw players like Aiyuk to New England.