When the San Francisco 49ers opened OTAs, many of their top players weren't in attendance. That included star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose contract situation has led to plenty of offseason trade rumors.
However, head coach Kyle Shanahan seemed to disregard any concerns about Aiyuk's whereabouts. While he would rather have is receiver on the field, Shanahan understands the business aspect of the NFL, he said via the team's official transcript, h/t Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
“Same as I do about all these guys that aren't here,” Shanahan said. “I wish they were here, but it's something that's part of the business and anytime it's part of the business part you try to respect it. Stay out of it as much as possible. Look forward to the days when we can just focus on football.”
Joining Aiyuk away from OTAs are Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings. It is not know exactly why McCaffrey is skipping workouts, but Jennings has yet to sign his restricted contract tender. It's not to hard to see why Aiyuk isn't available at OTAs.
The wide receiver is set to earn just over $14 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. But Aiyuk wants more stability and a bigger bag. AJ Brown and Devonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles and Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions all just helped reset the market with long-term extensions.
Aiyuk wants to be the next to cash in.
With OTAs being voluntary, Brandon Aiyuk isn't mandated to be there. Kyle Shanahan isn't planning on losing any sleep over the absence. But with Aiyuk's name still being thrown around in trade rumors, San Francisco must eventually come to a resolution with their wide receiver.
Brandon Aiyuk proves he is one of NFL's best
It took a bit of time for Aiyuk to truly develop in with the 49ers. His rookie season wasn't bad by any means, as he caught 60 passes for 748 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that up with a sophomore season that saw him make 56 receptions for 826 yards and five scores. But by Year 3, Aiyuk had begun showing signs of his future league domination.
Starting all 17 games for the first time in his career in 2022, Aiyuk caught 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns. His receptions and touchdown catches remain career-highs. But Aiyuk gained 1,342 yards in 2023, shattering his best. He ranked seventh in the league in receiving.
While Aiyuk has broken out over his last two campaigns, he has yet to be voted to a Pro Bowl. His talent and output will earn him a long-term contract – whether with the 49ers or not – regardless. But adding a Pro Bowl stint to his resume in 2024 would certainly up team's offers.
Until he arrives to practice, Kyle Shanahan has remained mostly coy on Brandon Aiyuk's future. He is staying out of the business side, but is hopeful that San Francisco and Aiyuk can come to an agreement.
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