NFL Rumors: Patriots Believe Brandon Aiyuk Wants This Trade

The Patriots apparently knew for some time that acquiring Brandon Aiyuk was a long shot.

According to veteran NFL insider Josina Anderson, New England was prepared to make Aiyuk one of the league's highest-paid receivers even though it knew it was going to be a "challenge" to sway the 49ers star to Foxboro, Mass. The Patriots reportedly were also prepared for a dragged-out process, but they ultimately ended their Aiyuk pursuit Tuesday evening.

It remains to be seen where the 26-year-old plays football this season and beyond. But New England, which has kept tabs on Aiyuk for quite a while, believes his "preference" is a trade to Pittsburgh, per Anderson. The insider made sure to stress that was the Patriots' belief, and not necessarily the leaguewide consensus.

Signs certainly point to Aiyuk zeroing in on the Steelers. NBC Sports 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco found it noteworthy that Mike Tomlin's side still was in pursuit of Aiyuk as of Tuesday night, because at this point, contenders probably are limited to teams that can satisfy both San Francisco and the receiver himself.

Of course, there's no guarantee the Niners trade Aiyuk before the start of the regular season. But if San Francisco ultimately does find a dance partner, it sure sounds like it's going to be Pittsburgh.