San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters for the first time since news broke that the team is willing to listen to trade offers for their disgruntled wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. Naturally, questions about Aiyuk dominated the press conference, but Shanahan was cautious about diving too deep into the details of the situation.
Shanahan acknowledged that the situation doesn't need to be resolved immediately. However, a coach always wants his best players on the roster and on the field.
"But this stuff does take time, and every day I hope it gets resolved, but I have no timetable on it," Shanahan said.
The coach confirmed that Aiyuk remains in the building, indicating that trade negotiations have yet to progress to the point where the receiver needs to take a physical with an interested team. Aiyuk's routine with the 49ers hasn't changed; he continues to participate in everything except on-field work.
When asked if there remains a scenario where a long-term deal with Aiyuk could still be worked out, Shanahan responded, "There's a scenario for everything, so I wouldn't rule anything out."
While Shanahan confirmed that the 49ers have given Aiyuk and his agent permission to talk to other teams, he acknowledged that it's difficult to improve as a team when potentially losing a player like Aiyuk. However, a lot can happen in trade discussions.
"Hopefully, it'll all work out best for him and best for us in the long run," Shanahan remarked. "... I don't like losing anybody, so that's why I'm hoping it does work out here. But right now, we don't have that solved yet, so I hope it does."
Reports indicate that the 49ers have not budged from their offer earlier this offseason, a deal that would reportedly pay Aiyuk $26 million annually. Shanahan didn't want to get into those specifics but said, "What I can tell you guys is nothing has changed. I know a lot was out yesterday and stuff, but from the situation that we're in with Brandon, nothing's changed."
The 49ers have reportedly agreed to the frameworks of trades with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. The Pittsburgh Steelers have also re-emerged as a potential trade partner. With San Francisco eyeing a Super Bowl, any trade would likely need to include a veteran player, preferably a receiver, who can contribute this season.
How long it would take a newcomer to catch on with the offense?
"Two-and-a-half days," Shanahan joked before adding, "It depends who it is. It depends on the situation, experience of the offense, where he's at in his career. So I got no absolutes for you."
