San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice, providing several updates as the team prepares for its Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Plenty has happened since Shanahan last addressed the media. The 49ers traded for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, bringing a familiar face back to Santa Clara, and now face an important decision regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Brandon Aiyuk's NFL reinstatement
Aiyuk recently hired new representation, agent Drew Rosenhaus. One of their first steps to getting the wide receiver off the 49ers' reserve/left squad list and back in the NFL was filing the necessary reinstatement paperwork.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Aiyuk is expected to report to the 49ers on Friday.
Once Aiyuk reports, the 49ers will need to decide whether to keep him on the roster, release him, or explore a trade.
Shanahan was asked about his expectations for Aiyuk this week.
"None," he responded. "I have no expectation. Kind of moved on with that mentally and everything, and doing kind of how I talked to you guys two months ago. Nothing's really changed for me."
Is there any conceivable way that the 49ers hold onto Aiyuk and play him? Shanahan simply responded, "There are no absolutes in life."
The 49ers could face Aiyuk if they release the receiver and he signs elsewhere. Is that a concern?
"No," Shanahan said.
Kyle Shanahan discusses DeForest Buckner, other trade options
The 49ers sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Buckner, reuniting with their former first-round selection. The veteran defensive tackle is expected to strengthen a defensive front that has struggled with consistency against the run and in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Could the 49ers make another trade ahead of the November 10 NFL deadline? The 49ers coach isn't optimistic about the chances but also isn't ruling it out.
"It was awesome to add Buckner," Shanahan said. "Really awesome, and it'd be great to add someone else if that works out. We're not counting on it, but it still would be great, still got time."
49ers tried to trade for Jauan Jennings
News broke over the weekend that the 49ers attempted to trade for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who began his NFL career in San Francisco. However, Jennings reportedly had no interest in returning to the 49ers and ultimately nixed the potential deal.
Shanahan shared how the situation unfolded.
"We love Jauan," Shanahan said. "We have such a good relationship with Jauan and know him real well, and we didn't want to do it without talking to him first. So we had to agree on some things to at least make it close enough to be able to talk to him."
Shanahan revealed that the 49ers spoke with Jennings via FaceTime and initially felt the conversation went well. However, it ultimately didn't produce the desired outcome.
"It was awesome," Shanahan said. "We talked about a lot of stuff, and he ended up saying that he was happy with where he was. It wasn't just like a definite no at first, but he was like, 'Man, Kyle, I'm pretty happy here, and liking stuff.'
"And when I heard the way you talked and where we're at, I agreed with him. So, it was a good conversation and something that was possible, but that's why it didn't go down."
Asked whether there was any lingering animosity between Jennings and the 49ers, Shanahan dismissed the suggestion.
"Oh no, it wasn't all like that," Shanahan said. "It was actually—it was JJ. He FaceTimed me. He just got back to Tennessee and was with his family and kids, and it was a good talk. But he's with good people, he likes where he's at, and I thought he made sense what he said, and I agreed with him."
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