Breaking News: Kyle Shanahan Makes Bold Admission as He Sends Clear Message About Brandon Aiyuk Contract Controversy…

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not attend organized team activities (OTAs) this week as he seeks a new contract, prompting head coach Kyle Shanahan to address the situation with a clear message.

After Tuesday’s practice, Shanahan discussed Aiyuk and other 49ers players absent from OTAs. Acknowledging the business aspects of the NFL, Shanahan expressed his desire to focus solely on football.

“Same as I do about all these guys that aren’t here. I mean, I wish they were here, but it’s something that’s part of the business,” Shanahan said, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “Anytime it’s the business part, you try to respect it, stay out of it as much as possible. I look forward to the days when we just focus on football.”

While Aiyuk and the 49ers have not made significant progress towards a contract extension, the scenario is not new for the team. Last offseason, star pass-rusher Nick Bosa held out before signing a massive extension just before Week 1. Though a similar outcome for Aiyuk is uncertain, it appears the 49ers are not currently considering trade options for the former first-round pick.

Speculation about Aiyuk’s future increased when the 49ers drafted former Florida star wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. Despite this, general manager John Lynch attempted to quell rumors of trading Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel shortly thereafter.

Aiyuk had a standout season in 2023, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is set to earn $14.124 million next season, the final year of his rookie contract. Although Aiyuk expressed frustration with the 49ers several weeks ago, tensions seem to have eased somewhat.

The 49ers continue to navigate the balance between contract negotiations and maintaining focus on their upcoming season, with Shanahan emphasizing his eagerness to return to concentrating on football.

Breaking News: Kyle Shanahan Makes Bold Admission as He Sends Clear Message About Brandon Aiyuk Contract Controversy…

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not report to organized team activities this week as he seeks a new contract, and Kyle Shanahan had a clear message about the situation.

Following Tuesday’s practice, Shanahan was asked about Aiyuk and the other 49ers players who are not participating in OTAs. The head coach said he understands the business side of the NFL but is “looking forward to the days when we just focus on football.”

“(I feel the) same as I do about all these guys that aren’t here. I mean, I wish they were here, but it’s something that’s part of the business,” Shanahan said, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “Anytime it’s the business part, you try to respect it, stay out of it as much as possible. I look forward to the days when we just focus on football.”

Aiyuk and the 49ers do not appear to be close to an extension, but the situation is a familiar one for San Francisco. Star pass-rusher Nick Bosa held out for the majority of last offseason before signing a massive extension prior to Week 1. Even if that does not happen with Aiyuk, it does not sound like the Niners are exploring potential trade scenarios for the former first-round pick.

The 49ers drafted former Florida star wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. That led to even more speculation that they could trade Aiyuk or even Deebo Samuel, but general manager John Lynch tried to put that talk to rest a few days later.

Aiyuk had his best season as a pro in 2023 with 75, 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is set to make $14.124 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract. He was open about his frustration with the 49ers several weeks back, but the tension seems to have cooled a bit.