Brandon Aiyuk reported to training camp but has been holding out of practices as he and the San Francisco 49ers work toward a new contract. Aiyuk is set to earn $14.124 million in 2024 under his fifth-year option but is seeking an extension that would place him among the NFL's highest-paid receivers.
Despite Aiyuk's absence from the practice field, head coach Kyle Shanahan remains confident that the veteran wide receiver is doing everything necessary to prepare for the upcoming season.
"I trust Brandon knows what he's got to do for this year to get ready to play," Shanahan told reporters on Monday. "I have a feeling he's finding a way to stay in shape and do those things, but there's a football shape element that I know he's eager to get back to, and us too. So, hopefully, we can get to that soon."
The 49ers are determined to keep Aiyuk in red and gold despite his frustrations, which led to a trade request. Although San Francisco explored trade options, either Aiyuk wasn't interested in signing with the potential trade partners, or the teams couldn't assemble a package enticing enough for the 49ers.
This prompted the 49ers to resume negotiations with the disgruntled wideout last week.
Shanahan added, "But Brandon knows what he's got to do to be in shape for the season, and I feel confident he's doing that."
The 49ers' last offer to Aiyuk was reportedly made several months ago and was believed to be worth around $26 million annually. However, the receiver is seeking a contract closer to $30 million per year, a figure that the 49ers may struggle to accommodate due to future salary-cap constraints, particularly with quarterback Brock Purdy's impending contract negotiations.