San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was not on the field again during the early portion of practice Thursday amid what continues to be a contentious contract holdout.
With training camp and the preseason now complete, the sense of urgency has intensified for Aiyuk to return with the season opener set for Sept. 9 at home against the New York Jets.
Aiyuk has long contended that he has earned more contract security through a lucrative extension, saying in March that he is “trying to get what I deserve.”
The No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option linked to his rookie deal.
Aiyuk, 26, topped the 49ers with 75 receptions and 1,342 yards and caught seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023. He has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in 62 career games (60 starts).
Reports have indicated there has been interest from other clubs like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Those reports indicate that the Steelers and Browns are set to deliver on a contract extension in a potential trade.
Yet there remains no resolution to the standoff.
“I’m not going to get into our communication again,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said about the matter Wednesday. “At some point, you gotta play.”
Said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan: “I haven’t heard anything. I’ve been working on the 53-(man roster) and the practice squad. I haven’t talked to him. I know he’s been cleared by our doctors so I hope that he’s out there practicing.”
With medical clearance complete, the 49ers can now enact fines and/or a suspension against Aiyuk for refusing to participate in practices.
–Field Level Media