Both the Patriots and Browns have reportedly set the “framework” for Aiyuk’s trade

According to reports, the Patriots could be close to acquiring their coveted No. 1 receiver.

But they could have some competition before Eliot Wolf and his staff can finally cross the finish line and give New England a proven wide receiver.

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers have “negotiated the framework of a trade” that would send talented wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to either the Patriots or the Cleveland Browns.

“Now it’s up to Aiyuk to determine whether he will accept contract terms with either franchise,” Maiocco wrote, citing a league source.

Aiyuk, who is likely on his way out of the Bay Area due to his desire for a big new contract, is set to make $14.1 million this season in the final year of his rookie deal.

According to Maiocco, “the 49ers would likely acquire a veteran receiver and a package of draft picks from the Browns or Patriots,” with New England expecting to include former San Francisco wideout Kendrick Bourne, as well as some draft capital.

The Browns are reportedly in a position to send receiver Amari Cooper to San Francisco in a hypothetical deal for Aiyuk.

Aiyuk would be a game-changer for the Patriots, who haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver on their roster since Julian Edelman in 2019.

The 2020 first-round pick was named a second-team All-Pro last season, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He led San Francisco in receptions and receiving yards each of the last two seasons.

Acquiring Aiyuk would not only give New England’s struggling offense a much-needed boost, but it would also pair Drake Maye with an established No. 1 receiver as he tries to establish himself in the NFL ranks.

In addition to having to give up Bourne and other assets in a trade, New England would also have to pay a hefty price to get Aiyuk on a new contract. According to Maiocco, the 26-year-old receiver is looking to sign a deal that would pay him “around $30 million per year.”

New England also must outlast the Browns in a potential bidding war for Aiyuk, who must evaluate which team would be the best fit for him at the height of his career.