Kyle Shanahan gives strong message regarding Brandon Aiyuk’s contract conflict

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not participate in organized team activities this week as he seeks a new deal, 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 taking part in OTAs. The head coach stated that he understands the business side of the NFL but is “looking forward to the days when we can just focus on football.”

“I feel the same way I do about all the guys who aren’t here. “I mean, I wish they were here, but it’s part of the job,” Shanahan told ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “When it comes to business, you want to respect it and keep as out of it as possible. I look forward to the days when we can just concentrate on football.”

Aiyuk and the 49ers do not appear to be close to signing an extension, but the situation is familiar to San Francisco. Nick Bosa, a star pass-rusher, held out for the bulk of last summer before getting a huge contract extension before Week 1. Even if that does not happen with Aiyuk, it does not appear that the Niners are considering trade options for the former first-round choice.

The 49ers selected former Florida star wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall choice. That fueled speculation that they may trade Aiyuk or possibly Deebo Samuel, but general manager John Lynch tried to put that idea to rest a few days later.

Aiyuk had his greatest season as a pro in 2023, with 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns. He is due to earn $14.124 million next season, the final year of his rookie contract. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the 49ers many weeks ago, but the tension appears to have subsided a bit.