49ers' George Kittle 'not concerned' about Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation

The biggest question surrounding the San Francisco 49ers heading toward training camp is the status of Brandon Aiyuk.

The star receiver skipped the entire offseason program, including mandatory minicamp, in search of a new deal. Aiyuk is set to play on the fifth-year option, worth $14.1 million, but is seeking a new contract closer to the one Amon-Ra St. Brown inked with Detroit earlier this offseason.

Despite the inability to reach an agreement in negotiations, the Niners have unequivocally stated their intention to retain Aiyuk in their 2024 roster.

Aiyuk has been willing to rock the boat at times this offseason, causing a stir among fans with his social media posts — particularly involving his former college quarterback and current Washington Commander Jayden Daniels. However, San Francisco teammate George Kittle told The Rich Eisen Show that he’s not concerned about the offseason back-and-forth and is confident Aiyuk will be on the field when games matter.

“I think, 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. “(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. I actually go out of my way to not talk to anybody going through contract negotiations, so when people ask me questions, I’m like: I have absolutely no idea.

However, I’m not worried. Aiyuk is an exceptional football player who plays a significant role in our offense. He ranks among the most well-rounded receivers I’ve ever played alongside. Therefore, I’m confident that Aiyuk will still be part of our team when the season commences.

It’s customary for the Niners to finalize their significant deals during or post training camp, so Aiyuk’s timeline aligns with the organization’s usual process. However, Aiyuk’s remarks, coupled with the surge in the receiver market this offseason, have amplified the situation.

Kittle pointed out that Aiyuk is a top-tier receiver in the NFL and should be compensated accordingly. However, the details of the deal and the extent to which the Niners are prepared to meet the wideout’s demands, given their other financial commitments, remain to be seen.