49ers HC Kyle Shanahan shares honest thoughts on Brandon Aiyuk contract dispute

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not report to organized team activities this week as he seeks a new contract, and head coach Kyle Shanahan offered his thoughts on the situation.

Following Tuesday’s practice, Shanahan was asked about Aiyuk and the other 49ers not participating in OTAs.

“[I feel the] same as I do about all these guys that aren’t here. I mean, I wish they were here, but it’s something that’s part of the business,” Shanahan said via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “Anytime it’s the business part, you try to respect it, stay out of it as much as possible. I look forward to the days when we just focus on football.”

Aiyuk and the 49ers do not appear close to an extension, but the situation is familiar for San Francisco. Star pass-rusher Nick Bosa held out for most of the last offseason before signing a massive extension before Week 1. Even if that does not happen with Aiyuk, it does not sound like the Niners are exploring potential trade scenarios for the former first-round pick.

The 49ers drafted former Florida star wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. That led to even more speculation that they could trade Aiyuk or even Deebo Samuel, but general manager John Lynch tried to put that talk to rest.

Aiyuk had his best season as a pro in 2023 with 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He is set to make $14.124 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract. Several weeks ago, he was open about his frustration with the 49ers, but the tension seems to have cooled a bit.

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