To say the 2024 offseason has been turbulent for the San Francisco 49ers would be an understatement.
Coming off their second Super Bowl loss in the past five seasons, the 49ers were looking to run it back with a roster that dominated the rest of the NFC for most of 2023. But it quickly became clear one of their brightest stars on offense was unhappy with his contract situation.
Brandon Aiyuk, coming off a career-best season and heading into the final year of his rookie contract, has been in a stalemate with the 49ers all offseason regarding his contract.
There were reports in early August that the 49ers had trades in place to send Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, deals which Aiyuk himself nixed. Other reports suggest Aiyuk will either stay in San Francisco or head to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A critical update seemed to come Friday, when insider Jordan Schultz reported that a productive meeting between Aiyuk and the 49ers brass had taken place. But on Sunday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reported that Shanahan "downplayed" the meeting's significance.
"I’ve met with Brandon a bunch here since we started out camp, and I’m not going to get into any personal things between us," Shanahan said.
At 26, Aiyuk is in the prime of his career, so it makes sense that the fifth-year star would want to secure a long-term deal as soon as possible. He put up a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023, while landing a spot on the All-Pro second team.
From the 49ers perspective, it makes sense to avoid unnecessary distractions even as the situation remains fluid. Star running back Christian McCaffrey appeared to refer to Aiyuk as a "former teammate" earlier in the week, setting off further rounds of speculation.
As the preseason ramps up, all eyes will continue to be on Aiyuk. He is set to make $14.1 million in 2024, but could be eyeing an annual salary at least double that figure.
More NFL: Brandon Aiyuk situation "fluid" as the 49ers meet to negotiate contract