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NEW England Patriots head coach Jered Mayo has learned a thing or two from his predecessor Bill Belichick when it comes to speaking to the media.
The Patriots rookie coach was asked about San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who's a reported trade target for New England.
The 49ers have recently been open to trading the disgruntled 2023 second-team All-Pro Aiyuk, per reports
And the Cleveland Browns and Patriots have reportedly negotiated a framework with the 49ers for a potential deal.
That means Aiyuk needs to accept the contract extension from either the Browns or Patriots for a trade to be completed.
But that final step has been a holdup for his San Francisco negotiations.
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Mayo was asked about the Aiyuk-Patriots trade rumors, and he acknowledged that he wouldn't give reporters what they wanted.
"I know what all of you want to know but one thing I learned from Bill [Belichick] is that I don’t talk about players on other teams.”
The six-time Super Bowl champion Belichick, who coached the Pats from 2001-2023, was known for not revealing much to reporters - especially about other team's players.
It's expected that the 49ers would receive a wide receiver and draft picks in a trade involving Aiyuk.
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The Patriots would include Kendrick Bourne in a package, according to NBC.
As for the Browns, they would likely include star Amari Cooper as part of a deal going to the 49ers, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.
ESPN reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in Aiyuk but do not appear to be a trade fit for him.
The Patriots have been reportedly trying to acquire Aiyuk for a few months.
Mayo did acknowledge that he's spoken with Bourne, who could be included in a potential trade.
"It was a good conversation. Once again, I feel like the story is so much further along than anything else," Mayo said on Tuesday before the Patriots' practice, via ESPN.
"I just wanted to make sure we cleared the air.
"I do believe in being transparent with the players and really setting those guys at ease."
Aiyk will be paid $14.1 million this year on his fifth-year option.
He will be expected to receive a contract that will put him among the top-paid players in the wide receiver position.
For reference, Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson signed a four-year contract worth $140 million with $110 million guaranteed, the most ever for a wideout.
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Aiyuk is coming off his best season in the NFL, catching 75 passes for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
He reported for the 49ers' training camp but has yet to practice as he seeks a new deal.