It was just one year ago that the Patriots were heavily pursuing some of the top free agents, hoping to rebuild their team into a powerhouse competitor to regain the AFC East and help rookie quarterback Drake Maye start his NFL career on the right foot.
That didn't work too well, though, particularly with their interest in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who demanded a trade from the 49ers.
Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf went all-in on an offer to get the superstar in the door, only for rumors to state that Aiyuk refused to be traded to New England, naming his preferred team to be the Steelers.