San Francisco 49ers’ head honcho Kyle Shanahan is keeping his eyes on the prize, focusing squarely on football amid
the buzz that key player Brandon Aiyuk skipped OTAs.
Aiyuk’s absence from OTAs is down to ongoing contract negotiations. The second-team All-Pro receiver is holding out for a deal that mirrors his standing as one of the NFL’s elite wideouts. With a $14 million paycheck awaiting him in 2024 under the fifth-year option, Aiyuk is still trailing behind the league’s 18 other receivers who rake in $20 million annually or more.
Talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers have yet to bridge this gap, prompting him to sit out the voluntary sessions. “Same as I do about all these guys that aren’t here,” Shanahan remarked on Tuesday. “I wish they were here, but it’s something that’s part of the business and anytime it’s part of the business part you try to respect it. Stay out of it as much as possible. Look forward to the days when we can just focus on football.”
Pre-draft whispers hinted at a possible trade involving either Aiyuk or teammate Deebo Samuel, but both remain with the team, much to the relief of quarterback Brock Purdy, who’s eyeing another shot at Super Bowl glory with the Niners.
