This week, there was optimism that the contract standoff between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk might be nearing its end. A viral video on Wednesday showed Aiyuk enthusiastically greeting general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, sparking speculation that an agreement was imminent. However, no updates followed, making it clear that the optimism was premature.
#49ers Brandon Aiyuk just walked to midfield and dapped up John Lynch & Kyle Shanahan 👀 pic.twitter.com/eB6OmbxfW9
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) July 31, 2024
On Friday, Shanahan confirmed that negotiations remain stalled, stating there were "no updates" regarding the talks.
Aiyuk is currently set to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option. He prefers an extension that would place him among the NFL's highest-paid receivers, likely in the range of $30 million annually. Frustrated with the lack of progress, Aiyuk recently requested a trade.
Though Aiyuk reported to training camp, he has refrained from practicing, essentially "holding in" while awaiting a resolution.
This week, ESPN's Adam Schefter provided an update on the situation, indicating that a resolution may not be close.
"The two sides have been talking," Schefter said on NFL Live. "They'd love to see if they could figure out something to get worked out, but nothing [right now]. And Brandon Aiyuk has been very resolute that obviously he wants a trade, he wants a new deal. The Niners feel like they've tried so many different things to get it worked out, and right now, it's just not a great situation for either side, with no end to this in sight right now."
Aiyuk isn't the only 49ers player seeking a contract resolution. Tackle Trent Williams didn't report to training camp, holding out as he seeks a restructured deal. While Williams is signed through the 2026 season, he has no guaranteed money remaining on his current contract.
