Brandon Aiyuk is still a member of the San Francisco 49ers, but head coach Kyle Shanahan is prepared for the worst.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Shanahan addressed the Aiyuk situation and said that the 49ers will be ready to play regardless of what happens.
“I know when you deal with business parts, with the contracts and things like that, I hope that does get worked out,” Shanahan said. “But you also, when all that stuff’s good, there’s plenty of times people just break an ankle in Week 1 or in training camp. You have big plans for the season and you got to go the whole season with the part missing. Right now, it’s almost like we’re preparing that way because guys aren’t here.”
That’s certainly a healthy approach.
Shanahan added that San Francisco needs to embrace a “next man up” mentality heading into 2024.
“So, those guys do get those reps and they are trying to prepare for that moment,” he said. “But that moment can just as easily come in Week 3 when someone gets an injury. So it’s always good for the practice and stuff. You always got to be ready for ‘next man up,’ and we’re preparing for that every moment.”
The 49ers don’t have to trade Brandon Aiyuk
Here’s the thing: the 49ers absolutely do not have to trade Aiyuk.
Yes, the team has reached an apparent standstill in contract negotiations with the star wide receivers, and yes, Aiyuk has requested a trade.
However, the 26-year-old is still under contract with San Francisco, and it seems rather unlikely he would sit out the season given his impending free agency.
Plus, the Niners are kind of in a tough spot when it comes to trade talks. Aiyuk doesn’t have a no-trade clause, but because he is entering the final year of his deal, he absolutely has some control over his next destination. A rival club likely would not trade for Aiyuk if it doesn’t think he will re-sign. Take the New England Patriots, for example.
All things considered, the 49ers are trying to win a Super Bowl. Aiyuk obviously plays a significant role in that quest. San Francisco can opt to call his bluff and hold on to him.
Or, maybe the Niners will ultimately strike an agreement on a contract extension with Aiyuk before the season begins.
Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that the 49ers are in a messy situation with Brandon Aiyuk.
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