Shanahan: No updates on Brandon Aiyuk situation, downplays viral embrace

Aug 3, 2024, 1:44 PM

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers speaks with Brandon Aiyuk #11 prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

With each passing day, the urgency of getting Brandon Aiyuk back on the field should be increasing. But according to Kyle Shanahan, no progress has been made with the preseason on the horizon.

The San Francisco 49ers’ coach downplayed his viral embrace with the disgruntled star earlier this week. During his scheduled press conference Friday, Shanahan explained that his exchange with Aiyuk was how they normally greet one another, chopping it up to bros imply being bros.

“That’s just usually how we greet each other, honestly,” Shanahan said about the Aiyuk clip. “You guys would see maybe a lot more hugs in here if we had a film for you guys, but we’re not on Hard Knocks. We saw him on the field. He hadn’t been on the field a lot. We walked by each other and it’s usually how we greet each other. Bro hug, nothing more, nothing less.

“It’s usually how we greet each other, bro hug.” 😂

Kyle Shanahan on his viral handshake/hug with Brandon Aiyuk at 49ers practice on Wednesday.

No new updates on Aiyuk’s contract situation. pic.twitter.com/5zas1QAgIE

— KNBR (@KNBR) August 2, 2024

That sentiment was shared on the following question regarding the contract talks of both Aiyuk and Trent Williams.

While the wideout has held in with the 49ers, the left tackle has held out, remaining away from the franchise since the conclusion of mandatory minicamp in June. Both men are looking for new deals from the 49ers, but only one has been visible (Aiyuk) while negotiations proceed behind the scenes.

“Yeah, no updates…Same with Trent,” Shanahan revealed.

As of the time of this writing, no official updates have been issued for either man, as Shanahan and the 49ers’ brass have remained tight-lipped on the matter.

Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl regarding Aiyuk, with trade talks circling around the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns taking over the timelines of X Saturday. Those reports have not been backed by any substance, as the 49ers remain hellbent on keeping Aiyuk on the roster long-term.

And by the looks of it, both player and front office are own good terms, with Aiyuk dapping up both Shanahan and general manager John Lynch in the clip. The player has been present at most of the 49ers’ training camp practices the last few weeks, observing from various sidelines.