The biggest storyline surrounding the 49ers this offseason has been the ongoing Brandon Aiyuk saga. The disgruntled wide receiver's recent social media posts have fueled uncertainty about his NFL future.
Aiyuk, who hasn't played since suffering ACL and MCL injuries in 2024, has expressed a desire to join the Washington Commanders but has refused to file for reinstatement. This move would force the 49ers to release him and allow him to sign elsewhere.
Teams have also likely been scared off by Aiyuk's bizarre behavior.
Despite the constant headlines, Kittle said the situation hasn't become a distraction inside the team's facility.
"I literally got back to the building yesterday, and I have not seen anybody or heard anybody talk about it," Kittle said on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast. "I would say, in general, I feel like I know, basically, everything that's happened and what's gone on, and I can't share all of that because it's not my business to share or tell."
While Aiyuk has publicly accused the 49ers of mishandling the situation, Kittle believes the organization has done everything it could to resolve it.
"I feel like the Niners have done a very good job throughout the entire process and have tried [to work it out]," Kittle said. "[Head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] has tried, [general manager] John [Lynch] has tried, teammates have tried, and this is where we are."
The 49ers voided Aiyuk's guaranteed money after determining that he failed to meet contractual rehabilitation obligations. Aiyuk then cut off communication with the team, prompting San Francisco to place him on the reserve/left squad list. As a result, he does not count against the roster limit and is not earning an NFL salary.
Kittle stopped short of criticizing his teammate directly but made it clear he believes the organization acted appropriately throughout the process.
"I think the organization itself has done a really good job," Kittle continued. "Like I said, I know plenty of things, and I don't ever want to single out a player, I don't ever want to point a finger at anybody, but I've been here for 10 years, and I've been treated with nothing but respect and love my entire career. I feel like I've done it the right way as long as I can."
Kittle added that contract disputes are rarely easy and suggested that how players respond to them is ultimately a personal choice.
"If you get offended by something, you hold on to it, that's kind of on you, because everybody goes through contract negotiations and they're all difficult," Kittle concluded.
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