Brandon Aiyuk is a huge question mark for the San Francisco 49ers as they approach training camp, but one of San Francisco’s star players is confident Aiyuk will return.
Aiyuk and his camp want a new deal with the 49ers, and ongoing negotiations have resulted in Aiyuk bowing out of San Francisco’s offseason program and mandatory minicamp.
Although the 49ers have expressed that they plan for Aiyuk to be on the roster come September, Aiyuk has created unrest among San Francisco fans with recent social media posts suggesting he’d happily play elsewhere.
Despite the summer drama, one 49ers superstar has come out and expressed a firm belief that Aiyuk will take the field with San Francisco in 2024.
Tight end George Kittle appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” and reminded everyone that extended contract negotiations such as Aiyuk’s are not always an ill omen.
“If you look at my career, being a 49er, and the way most of the contracts have gone — I didn’t get signed until the second week of training camp, Deebo (Samuel) was pretty late,” Kittle said, per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. “(Nick) Bosa was the first week of the season. That’s just how business is done out there. I’m not in the meetings. I have no idea.”
“But I’m not concerned about it. Aiyuk’s a phenomenal football player who’s a big part of our offense, and he’s one of the most complete receivers that I’ve ever played with. So I’m gonna assume that Aiyuk’s gonna be on our team by the time the season starts.”
Kittle’s remarks could manifest a collective sigh of relief among 49ers fans, but many will not experience closure over the Aiyuk situation until a deal is signed.
Aiyuk is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and his departure would surely diminish San Francisco’s odds to return to the Super Bowl in February.
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