Despite requesting a trade from the 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk is expected to report to training camp.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news Tuesday afternoon, surprising many NFL observers, as the receiver and San Francisco have been at a stalemate over a new contract, which resulted in the Aiyuk formally requesting a deal out of town last week.
The two sides haven’t had extensive contract talks since May, Rapoport reported.
Aiyuk does want to remain with the team if possible, but the situation comes down to Aiyuk looking for a long-term deal and a payday.
However, the 26-year-old isn’t in a position of power in this situation with the Niners, and holding out might not have done much to move the situation along.
General manager John Lynch told reporters on Tuesday, according to ESPN, that the organization fully intends on “Brandon being a Niner moving forward” and that the 49ers “expect Brandon to be an integral part of our team.”
Lynch also indicated the organization would continue to try and work out a new contract with the talented wide receiver.
“We’ve had great communication,” Lynch said, per the Associated Press. “We started this really early. We made it a priority to try to get it done. We’ve had excellent communication throughout. I really don’t want to characterize it. We haven’t been able to and that’s a shame. But Brandon’s a big part of our team, and we expect that he will be this year.”
The expectation is that all 49ers players will practice during training camp.
ESPN reported that teams have reached out to the 49ers to inquire about Aiyuk, but were told that they have no interest in trading him.
Aiyuk is in the final year of his rookie contract and his set to make $14 million after recording 153 catches for 2,357 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns over his past two seasons.
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