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Brandon Aiyuk's lack of involvement within the San Francisco 49ers offense has been one of the more bizarre storylines of this season. After an impressive rookie campaign last year that saw the receiver haul in 60 passes for 748 yards, Aiyuk has been limited to just nine catches and one touchdown on 16 targets through six games. Understandably, those aren't the numbers many expected from his sophomore NFL season.
There was a lot of speculation surrounding Aiyuk's reduced role in 2021. Was he in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse? The coach denied that, saying that injuries initially contributed to Aiyuk's lack of involvement. The receiver has been limited to just one catch in three of his five starts.
"I just want Aiyuk to keep getting better," head coach Kyle Shanahan said before today's practice. "I don't think he's quite back to where he was last year, and I expected him to be better this year than last year. I think he's still trying to get back to that point, which I think he's closer to that point right now than he was a couple of weeks ago because he has been working hard and trying to get there. If he keeps doing that, I believe things will get better for him and us."
There were reports this offseason that Aiyuk gained some weight, getting stronger. The coach was asked if that weight gain has instead been problematic for the second-year receiver. Does it impact his deep speed or any other aspect of his game?
"Possibly," Shanahan responded. "I don't think he quite looks to where he was at last year, so that could be a reason. That's something that's different. I'm sure it's a few things, though, but he needs to get there."
While Aiyuk played less than half the offensive snaps in Week 1, that number has increased as the season has progressed. He has played 71 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the past two games but has just three catches on five targets to show for it.
Aiyuk's next opportunity will come on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Does 49ers QB Brock Purdy need Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel for success?
By David Bonilla
May 15
Rumors circulated before and during the 2024 NFL Draft about the possibility of the San Francisco 49ers losing one of their top two wide receivers—Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. Such a scenario could have significantly impacted the team's success in the upcoming season and posed a potential blow for quarterback Brock Purdy, who has thrived alongside the dynamic duo on the field.
However, none of these speculations came to fruition. Both Aiyuk and Samuel remain on the roster, at least for another season, though their future beyond that remains uncertain.
Aiyuk is seeking a contract extension that would position him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. At the same time, Samuel already commands a significant salary following a deal rework in 2022.
49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk reportedly not close on a new contract
By Marc Adams
May 19
The San Francisco 49ers need wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. And Aiyuk needs the 49ers. But the two sides are reportedly not close on a new deal that would keep the star receiver in San Francisco for years to come.
Sunday morning, on SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the 49ers and Aiyuk are not close in contract negotiations, leading many to wonder if Aiyuk will hold out (not show up) or hold in (show up but not participate) for the remainder of the offseason and even training camp.
"This one's tricky because he was implicated in some trade talks around the draft," Fowler said. "He wants a new contract; has one year left. I'm told the 49ers certainly are open to doing a deal, but talks have not progressed enough where things are close. And
49ers OTAs: Ricky Pearsall could benefit from Brandon Aiyuk's absence
By David Bonilla
May 20
While the San Francisco 49ers reported for organized team activities (OTAs) today, reporters won't get a glimpse of practice until tomorrow. That is the first and only session this week open to the media. Everyone will be on the lookout for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who isn't required to report as this phase of the offseason remains voluntary.
Aiyuk and the 49ers are still negotiating a contract extension, but reports over the weekend indicate that the two sides remain far apart.
"I'm told the 49ers certainly are open to doing a deal, but talks have not progressed enough where things are close," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler stated. "And so, is he going to show up for their workouts?
Report: Brandon Aiyuk expected to skip 49ers OTAs as contract talks remain far apart
By David Bonilla
May 21
It's hardly surprising news, but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo confirmed what many anticipated: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to report to Santa Clara for organized team activities (OTAs), which commenced yesterday. The team's first practice open to the media will be held this afternoon.
Garafolo points out that the two sides appear to remain far apart in the negotiation process, with Aiyuk seeking a long-term deal that makes him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
"So don't expect to see Aiyuk around for anything that's voluntary," Garafolo shared on NFL Network's "The Insiders" show. "And let's see about the mandatory stuff as well with him because you know he wants this done. He doesn't want to have to play on the last
