Disgruntled 49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk no-shows practice as standoff continues

Aug 28, 2024, 3:20 PM | Updated: 3:25 pm

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

Things have gone from bad to dire, with Brandon Aiyuk nowhere to be found on the 49ers practice field.

The San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver was not seen on the practice field Wednesday. This comes in the the midst of a contract standoff with the team, as no resolution is in sight.

Additionally, 49ers’ brass was unsure if the wideout would be on the field today prior to practice, only assuming so based off clearance from the team’s doctors.

“I haven’t heard anything. I’ve been working on the [53-man roster], 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 today,” 49ers’ coach Kyle Shanahan said about Aiyuk Wednesday.

Alas, he did not take part in practice, and will likely be fined for not doing so.

“I mean, we’re getting close to playing a game. So, my mind is completely on preparing for a game without those guys,” Shanahan added.

Kyle Shanahan on if Brandon Aiyuk will be practicing today

“I hope so.”

Does that mean he has told you he is going to practice today?

“No.” pic.twitter.com/ejTFc9wyty

— KNBR (@KNBR) August 28, 2024

“I’m not going to get into our communication, but at some point you gotta play,” general manager John Lynch offered up about Brandon Aiyuk and their frustration at this time.

This story is developing…

More on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk, 26, had 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 were 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.

But once the player decided to report to training camp and hold in, many expected the sides to work out a deal. Unfortunately, the situation has shifted since, with the team still unwilling to meet the player’s asking price at this time. Talks will continue, but nothing is imminent for all parties involved.