The ongoing standoff between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers will be a key topic as veterans report for training camp on Tuesday.
On Monday’s edition of The Insiders, San Francisco’s star tight end George Kittle expressed support for Aiyuk following the wide receiver’s recent trade request, emphasizing Aiyuk’s importance to the 49ers’ offense.
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“Aiyuk’s just a phenomenal football player,” Kittle told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. “He does everything you want him to do as a wide receiver, including taking touchdowns from me once in a while, which I’m totally OK with. He’s such a dynamic receiver and a very important part of our offense. I hope he gets the money he deserves. There’s not much I can do except cheer him on from the sidelines and hope we figure something out because he’s one of my favorite teammates.”
Kittle highlighted Aiyuk’s versatility and work ethic: “When there’s a receiver who can run every route, catch tough passes, be open at the right time, and grind in the run game, blocking everyone — those guys are really important to your offense.”
Aiyuk’s trade request follows an offseason of unsuccessful attempts at a long-term deal with the 49ers, who have been unwilling to negotiate since May, according to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo.
Aiyuk has publicly listed other teams, such as the Commanders and Steelers, as potential landing spots and has been absent from all 49ers’ offseason activities, including mandatory minicamp, which resulted in a fine.
The 26-year-old is coming off consecutive seasons with at least 75 receptions, 1,000 yards, and seven touchdowns. Aiyuk, set to earn $14.124 million in the final year of his rookie contract, is seeking long-term security amid a market where many wide receivers have secured hefty paydays this offseason.
Kittle remained unconcerned about Aiyuk’s contract situation in early July, noting that the Niners have historically signed players to extensions weeks into training camp. As the defending NFC champions gather on Tuesday, Kittle emphasized how crucial Aiyuk is for San Francisco.
