Patriots Champ Issues Reality Check To Fans After Brandon Aiyuk Saga

Times have changed for the Patriots, to say the least.

New England hasn't been a Super Bowl contender since Tom Brady left town, but in the first few years following the quarterback's exit, the storied franchise remained relevant in the realm of appealing destinations. But it's become increasingly difficult for the Patriots to sway top players to Foxboro, Mass., even when a boatload of cash is on the table.

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk recently became the latest NFL star to pass on a lucrative, long-term offer from New England. And as two-time Super Bowl champion Christian Fauria pointed out on WEEI, Aiyuk's rejection was a reflection of the state of affairs at One Patriot Place.

"It doesn't mean that he doesn't value money," the former tight end said on "Gresh & Fauria," as transcribed by WEEI. "It's that the Patriots' situation is so bad he would rather take less.

"The forecast for this team is so bad and so unknown and so unpredictable that he'd rather take less to play someplace else. That, to me, is the ultimate kick in the ding-ding that I think Patriots fans don't want to admit is real."

The fact of the matter is, the onus is entirely on New England to change the current narrative. This mission starts with Jerod Mayo and Drake Maye, who must prove they're a capable head coach and franchise quarterback, respectively.

Those verdicts probably won't be reached quickly, especially since it could be a while until Maye takes over behind center. In turn, it might take a while for the Patriots to turn things around.