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San Francisco 49ers tight finish George Kittle believes that vast receiver Brandon Aiyuk will stay with the crew this season regardless of his present contract dispute and commerce rumors.
“I am not involved about it,” Kittle advised the NFL Community’s Wealthy Eisen on his present (25-minute mark). “Aiyuk’s an exceptional soccer participant who’s a giant a part of our offense, and he is probably the most full receivers I’ve ever performed with, so I’ll assume that he’ll be on our crew by the point the season begins.”
Eisen first requested Kittle what he would inform followers who ask whether or not Aiyuk goes to be in San Francisco this 12 months, resulting in the reply.
For additional context, Kittle famous that different 49ers stars have gotten their huge offers performed later within the offseason. Kittle’s $75 million deal was reported on Aug. 13, 2020. Deebo Samuel’s three-year deal value as much as $73.5 million was reported on July 31, 2022. And Nick Bosa and the 49ers agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension on Sept. 6, 2023.
The 49ers are nonetheless two weeks out from even beginning coaching camp on July 23, so there’s nonetheless quite a bit time to get one thing performed relative even to these offers.
Kittle additionally made a degree to notice that he does not have any explicit perception on the Aiyuk matter, even saying that he goes out of his approach to avoids conversations with gamers amid contract negotiations so he can keep away from giving any solutions about these conditions to others.
Aiyuk had 75 catches for 1,342 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns final 12 months en path to second crew All-Professional honors. Thanks a lot to his efforts, the 49ers gained the NFC title. He is coming into the ultimate season of a rookie contract paying him $14.1 million in 2024, and he is frankly deserving of a profitable, long-term deal.
That hasn’t occurred but for the 26-year-old, and it does not seem like the 2 sides are making a lot progress.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Community reported that latest conversations haven’t led to them being nearer to a contract. Nonetheless, a commerce request is not on the desk both.
“For Aiyuk and the 49ers, that they had conversations just lately,” Garafolo stated on July 2. “They’re no nearer to a deal, from my understanding, however they’re additionally no nearer to a commerce request. That is by no means been one thing that he has explored on this case.”
Albert Breer of Sports activities Illustrated additionally spoke with Eisen on the matter (21-minute mark) and stated that he believes the 49ers not solely see Aiyuk because the crew’s No. 1 vast receiver however that one thing will get performed.
On the flip facet, Aiyuk appears enamored with the Commanders, a crew led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, a detailed good friend of his and an ex-Arizona State teammate. This picture notably raised eyebrows.
MLFootball @_MLFootball
WOW… #49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk simply posted this image of #Commanders observe movie on TikTok
👀👀👀
(By way of @JayDanielsMVP) pic.twitter.com/zHfQGZIiv4
Aiyuk additionally confirmed as much as an look on The Pivot Podcast with Daniels. And through that podcast, Aiyuk listed the Commanders as a crew he might envision himself taking part in with in 2024 alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“If I have been to take a guess, most likely a Niner uniform,” Aiyuk stated in an look on The Pivot Podcast (45:45 mark) concerning the place he noticed himself in 2024. “In all probability a Niner uniform. I imply, if not a Niner uniform, most likely a Washington Commander uniform. If not a Washington Commander uniform, most likely a Steelers uniform.”
Proper now, Aiyuk stays in San Francisco, however his standing is definitely one to observe all through this offseason.
…. to be continued
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