FOXBORO — The Patriots’ failed pursuit of disgruntled 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk via trade last week highlighted a tough reality for the once premier franchise in the NFL.

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New England is no longer a destination.

Despite being offered a reported $32 million per year, which would have made him the second-highest paid wideout in the NFL by average annual value, Aiyuk told the Patriots no. The 25-year-old declined their overtures after the team had been in contact with San Francisco’s front office for months amid Aiyuk’s contract dispute with the team. Aiyuk is not the first star to pass on the new-era Patriots.

In March, then free-agent wideout Calvin Ridley chose Tennessee over New England and the Jaguars, his most recent team. The Patriots extended an offer of $22 million per season, before Ridley inked a 4-year deal with an average annual value of $23 million and $50 million total guaranteed.

Weeks later, at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo admitted the Patriots needed to add players who were “magnets;” playmakers who could attract other players to New England. On Sunday, he said winning will be another key ingredient for the Patriots to become a destination again.

“Look, we’re always trying to get better. I think Aiyuk is still in (San Francisco) right now, and he didn’t go to some other teams, as well. What I will say is, when we start to win games, guys will want to come here,” Mayo said. “When we start to establish the culture, establish the roster, I think guys will be excited to come back.”

In an offseason defined by extending their best players — offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers and tight end Hunter Henry, among others — their top free-agent signings were ex-Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn, former Washington running back Antonio Gibson and journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Austin Hooper.