With training camp around the corner, the biggest storyline in the San Francisco 49ers news landscape remains Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation. Many wonder if the Bay Area team can finalize a deal with Aiyuk or if the receiver will play on his fifth-year option, which will pay him $14.124 million—well below market value.
Veteran 49ers players, including Aiyuk, must report to training camp on July 23. Aiyuk subjected himself to approximately $100,000 in fines for skipping the team's mandatory minicamp last month, and this total will only increase if he continues to stay away as his teammates report.
On NFL Network, insider Ian Rapoport shared his thoughts on the stalemate between the team and the player.
"If a player wants to make it clear that he is not happy about where his contract extensions stands, he does not show up," Rapoport said. "Now the big question, of course: Is Aiyuk gonna show up for training camp? And you figure, if he was willing to take that strong of a stance for minicamp, perhaps he could do the same for training camp.
"He does want a contract extension. I would be surprised—we'll see—but I would be a little surprised now if he sets foot on the field without an extension. So we certainly have not heard the last of this one."
The 49ers have spent the past four consecutive offseasons working on contract extensions for star players, a testament to the team's ability to find playmakers in the draft. Last year's negotiations with defensive end Nick Bosa eventually made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at the time. Still, that deal wasn't finalized until just days before Week 1.
"If that happens again for the 49ers on Aiyuk, they know at least he'll be ready to play," Rapoport added.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #49ers TE George Kittle isn't concerned about Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation. But until it's resolved (if it's resolved) it bears watching. pic.twitter.com/pvVBa31nAX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 11, 2024
While teammate George Kittle admits he has not discussed the contract standoff with Aiyuk, the tight end expressed confidence that last year's leading receiver will suit up in red and gold in 2024.
"I actually go out of my way to not talk to anybody going through contract negotiations, so when people ask me questions, I have absolutely no idea," Kittle told Rich Eisen this week. "But, I'm not concerned about it. Aiyuk's a phenomenal football player who's a big part of our offense, and he's one of the most complete receivers that I've ever played with. So I'm gonna assume that Aiyuk's gonna be on our team by the time the season starts."