Brandon Aiyuk stokes flames of speculation around 49ers contract with latest development in stand-off
Amid an intense period of speculation last week as the possibility of him being traded seemingly rapidly increased, Brandon Aiyuk was not present on the sideline at San Francisco 49ers training camp. Aiyuk, executing a 'hold-in' during negotiations between his representatives and the 49ers that until recently had seemingly yielded little progress, had not been […]
Amid an intense period of speculation last week as the possibility of him being traded seemingly rapidly increased, Brandon Aiyuk was not present on the sideline at San Francisco 49ers training camp.
Aiyuk, executing a 'hold-in' during negotiations between his representatives and the 49ers that until recently had seemingly yielded little progress, had not been seen at practice since the "bro-hugs" with Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch that attracted significant attention and talk of a potential breakthrough.
But that changed on Wednesday, with Aiyuk watching practice from the sideline and chatting with several 49ers players, including Deebo Samuel, Kyle Juszczyk and George Kittle before catching passes from an equipment staffer at the end of the session.
Usually that would seem a pretty innocuous development, but in the context of the current state of play in the Aiyuk negotiations, it could be a sign that the 49ers are finally close to a breakthrough in their impasse with the All-Pro wide receiver.
It was reported on Tuesday that the 49ers had a trade agreement in place with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aiyuk's preferred destination in a trade. However, it was later reported that the 49ers were just one detail away from presenting Aiyuk with a contract he would deem acceptable to stay with San Francisco.
Aiyuk's presence at practice could be viewed as an indicator that he and the 49ers are at a point where they are almost ready to shake hands on a deal.
But there have been so many twists and turns in this saga that it is far from a guarantee a deal for the 49ers to keep hold of their leading receiver from the last two seasons is on the horizon.
Even if nothing is imminent, Kittle saw Aiyuk's presence as a boost to the team.
Asked about Aiyuk, Kittle said in his press conference: "The energy he brings every day elevates us, just being able to have a conversation with him was fantastic."
The 49ers will hope that Aiyuk will soon be able to bring that energy by participating in practice with a brand new contract.
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