Kyle Shanahan: “Nothing has changed” in Brandon Aiyuk contract saga

Aug 6, 2024, 12:52 PM | Updated: 4:16 pm

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers walks onto the field against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL wild-card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

Despite all the rumors swirling around the Internet, nothing has changed between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk. At least according to Kyle Shanahan.

The San Francisco 49ers coach addressed the rumors surrounding SF’s disgruntled star wide receiver and the imminent trade that could be lingering. While Shanahan wouldn’t dive in to specifics, he did confirm that Aiyuk’s camp has been allowed to reach out to other teams over a potential contract extension. But, the 49ers have not found the right situation for all parties involved at this time. So, for the time being, nothing has changed with Aiyuk and his hold-in, remaining at 49ers’ HQ Tuesday.

“I’m not going to get into specifics with offers or trades. A lot [of news] was out yesterday but the situation we’re in with Brandon, nothing has changed,” Shanahan said to the media.

While most reporters have indicated a trade as the likely resolution for all parties involved, all scenarios are still open at this time. That includes Brandon Aiyuk signing an extension to remain with the 49ers.

#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on the situation with Brandon Aiyuk:

“It’s been at this point for a little bit, so nothing really new to me. I mean you’re always disappointed when you can’t keep hold of all your players or it’s not going exactly right. I don’t like losing anybody, so…

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 6, 2024

“There’s a scenario for everything, I wouldn’t rule anything out,” the coach stated. “Brandon’s a great player. So it’s really hard to get better when you lose a great player.”

That final sentiment was echoed by 49ers’ pass rusher Nick Bosa shortly thereafter, asked about the impact of Aiyuk being traded away before the 2024 regular season.

“It would be huge,” Bosa said. “I trust John and Kyle, but he’s a very tough player to replace.”

Additionally, Kyle Shanahan provided no update on Trent Williams’ hold-out as well, stating that the left tackle is likely still at home preparing for season ahead.

Kyle Shanahan provides the latest updates on Brandon Aiyuk 👀 pic.twitter.com/s2cJLsuT2a

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 6, 2024

On top of the contract disputes, several 49ers players have been added to the injury report, including Christian McCaffrey and Ricky Pearsall.

The star running back has a calf strain and will miss the entire preseason for the 49ers. He missed practice Tuesday, indicating an ailment has occurred for McCaffrey. CMC has been a pillar of health since being traded to The Bay, appearing in 34 total contests for the Red & Gold.

Meanwhile, Shanahan revealed that Pearsall tweaked his pre-existing shoulder injury from the offseason. The rookie wideout donned a blue non-contact jersey during OTAs this summer due to the injury.

Those two starters are also joined by RB Elijah Mitchell (hamstring), with the signing of Matt Breida to replace the player for the preseason. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky is also likely to miss a majority of the preseason, dealing with knee irritation.

More on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk, 26, has been in a contract saga with the Red & Gold since the conclusion of the 2023 season. The Rocklin native posted career numbers last season, making his first All-Pro team. He also finished first in yards per catch (18.3) in the NFL.

The 49ers have a history of getting deals done leading into training camp (Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa). Many signs had pointed to the same outcome occurring with Aiyuk and his agents this offseason.

Reports indicated a deal was near completion at the conclusion of April and May. But then things changed, with the WR market exploding around the 49ers. That, in turn, led to a change of heart by Aiyuk, seeking market value for his talents.

As of the start of training camp, both sides are at an impasse, with the Red & Gold unwilling to meet their players’ demands.

Despite this, the 49ers had been reluctant to deal their wideout, seeing his as a core piece of the future. Reports stated the Red & Gold were looking for a first-round pick, plus more, to consider trading Aiyuk during the 2024 Draft.