The San Francisco 49ers are standing firm on keeping star receiver Brandon Aiyuk despite his trade request and are focused on securing a long-term contract extension for one of their key offensive players.
General manager John Lynch emphasized that while there are no guarantees, the team expects Aiyuk to continue playing a crucial role, expressing optimism about his contribution.
Aiyuk joined his teammates for training camp on Tuesday after missing the entire offseason, including mandatory minicamp. He risked fines for his absence, similar to teammate Deebo Samuel’s strategy in 2022 when negotiating his own contract extension.
Lynch confirmed that Aiyuk is expected to participate in practices starting Wednesday, underscoring ongoing efforts to finalize a new deal.
“We’ve been in constant communication and started negotiations early. It’s been a priority to secure his future with us,” Lynch stated. “Aiyuk is integral to our team, and we anticipate his significant impact this season.”
In recent years, the 49ers have rewarded their top players with substantial contracts, including George Kittle, Fred Warner, Deebo Samuel, and Nick Bosa.
While Samuel and Bosa had contract disputes affecting their preparation in previous seasons, the team hopes Aiyuk’s situation won’t disrupt his performance this year.
“NFL seasons are really tough. So whenever you can’t prepare properly during training camp, it’s a challenge for all those players,” coach Kyle Shanahan commented. “But many players have gone through it. Some have bigger challenges than others. Each one’s experience is different. …
So both of those guys have their individual experiences with it. It’s never beneficial. But that’s something that’s not new, something you have to handle.”
Aiyuk has received guidance from teammates who have been through similar negotiations. Kittle passed on advice he received in 2020 from veteran Richard Sherman.
“Contract negotiations are like braces,” Kittle remarked. “They’re awful the whole time, and then once you get them off, you forget you ever had them. But this time, with contracts, you get a big bag of money. ..
. I just try to tell him, it’s a terrible process. I hated the entire process when I went through it. Bosa’s last year was terrible. He didn’t get it done until the first week of the season. It’s not enjoyable.”
Currently, Aiyuk is under the fifth-year option valued at about $14.1 million this season. Prior to Aiyuk, eight receivers had already signed contracts worth at least $70 million this offseason, with Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with Minnesota setting the top of the market.
Aiyuk played a crucial role in San Francisco’s offense last season, building a strong connection with Purdy. He achieved 75 catches and a career-best 1,375 yards with seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
He achieved these statistics in an offense that had the second-lowest passing rate in the NFL last season and featured other star players such as Samuel, Kittle, and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.
Aiyuk’s average of 12.8 receiving yards per target was the highest for any player with at least 75 targets in a season since Jordy Nelson averaged 13.2 for Green Bay in 2011.
