Why Patriots Could Have Silver Lining In Failed Brandon Aiyuk Pursuit

It was a rough day for Patriots fans when they reportedly took themselves out of the Brandon Aiyuk chase, but it might not be all bad for New England. Aiyuk reportedly didn’t express a strong interest in signing with the Patriots despite being offered a contract that would have made him one of the highest-paid […]

It was a rough day for Patriots fans when they reportedly took themselves out of the Brandon Aiyuk chase, but it might not be all bad for New England.

Aiyuk reportedly didn't express a strong interest in signing with the Patriots despite being offered a contract that would have made him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. The 26-year-old is seeking a lucrative contract extension -- just not with the Patriots -- as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns remained in the running to acquire the star wideout from the San Francisco 49ers.

New England entered this offseason with a lot of cap space to spend, but it missed out on Calvin Ridley at the start of free agency and Aiyuk this week. The Patriots extended multiple internal players who head coach Jerod Mayo highlighted as building blocks for the team's rebuild.

Matthew Judon hasn't benefitted from that trend, but the sides expressed optimism that a resolution will be found. The failed Aiyuk pursuit means Eliot Wolf and the front office can work toward an extension, but there is another path for them to take, too.

It's no secret offensive line is a glaring need for New England, yet Mayo and Wolf don't seem eager to find a quick fix for the position. Multiple offensive linemen dealt with different ailments of varying degrees throughout training camp, and the unit was partly blamed for the offense's struggles.

Adding Aiyuk would have been great for the offense, but Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker showed enough this offseason to be confident in their chances to produce as rookies. Instead of seeking a playmaker, Wolf and the front office can spend the rest of the month pursuing upgrades at the offensive line, specifically at tackle. Caedan Wallace might grow into a future core player, but he's yet to show enough consistency to merit zero moves at the position.

While it might sting to lose out on another high-profile player, it could end up benefitting New England in the long run if it takes the right steps.