The Patriots losing Calvin Ridley as a free agent was one thing. The Titans made the highest offer, his girlfriend can’t stand the Northeast, and have you heard about our taxes? They’re so high! The Patriots took us on a blitz tour of Spin City, not to state the obvious: New England is no longer a destination.
However, there was no denying Brandon Aiyuk’s disinterest. The Patriots were reportedly willing to make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, but the All-Pro wide receiver said no thanks. He would rather play in Pittsburgh if he can’t get a deal in San Francisco.
Hard to argue. The Steelers are a symbol of stability, at least compared to the Patriots. Coach Mike Tomlin has been around forever, they usually make the playoffs, and the quarterback team of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields offers possibilities for the present and future, however imperfect they may be.
The Patriots have virtually none of that. They are perhaps the least talented team in the NFL. Legendary head coach Bill Belichick is gone, replaced by rookie Jerod Mayo. And in the quarterback room… well, things have suddenly gotten somewhat interesting.
After an encouraging preseason performance against the Eagles, Drake Maye, selected with the No. 3 overall pick, is a prime candidate to take the starting spot from veteran placeholder Jacoby Brissett. Mayo reiterated to WEEI on Monday that Maye could be his starting quarterback in Week 1 “100 percent.”
This raises a possibility that, while slim, is still possible, and we’re all hopeful these days: Could Maye flash enough over the rest of the preseason to change Aiyuk’s mind?
The Steelers and 49ers have yet to make a trade, with San Francisco reportedly looking to extend the four-year veteran’s contract. If Aiyuk wants to win, he won’t leave the Bay Area.
But if his priorities are (A) getting a huge win and (B) playing with a quarterback who doesn’t drive him crazy, another brilliant performance from Maye on Sunday night against the Commanders could turn heads beyond New England.
Maye showed a strong throwing arm and playmaking instincts against the Eagles on Thursday. His 50-yard dime from the hands of a diving Javon Baker would have been the best throw of Mac Jones’ life. If they can build on that in prime time against Washington, it might be worth calling 49ers boss John Lynch again.
🔊 Next Pats: Drake Maye shows CANNON and COMPOSURE against Eagles | Listen and subscribe | Watch on YouTube
It would require a backtracking from the ridiculous claim that the Patriots withdrew from the Aiyuk sweepstakes because They decided they liked their own anonymous wideoutsbut whatever. It’s OK to swallow a little pride to get a true No. 1 receiver.
That’s how the NFL works. If you have a quarterback, you have a chance. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter how tall your lighthouse is or that you have the biggest outdoor TV in the world.
Receivers don’t care about quarterbacks who can’t pass the ball to them. Brissett may be highly regarded, but he’s not a big deal. A breakout preseason from Maye could make him at least as interesting as the washed-up Wilson and the abandoned Fields.
The path to putting the Patriots back on the map is right through Maye’s right arm. So while it’s more likely that Aiyuk ends up in Pittsburgh or simply extends with San Fran, we just want to be able to say there’s a chance. And Maye is the only man who can give us that chance.
If it’s not this receiver, then maybe the next one. Anyone fancy CeeDee Lamb?
