49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is reporting for the start of training camp and expected to practice with the team, general manager John Lynch said Tuesday.
The reigning NFC champions and Aiyuk are locked in a contract stalemate. NFL Network reported the last “meaningful negotiations” took place in May.
In April, Lynch said he would “never close the door on a trade.”
But a few months and one trade demand from Aiyuk’s camp later, they’re still together.
“Again, no absolutes there. We fully intend on Brandon being a Niner moving forward. Always open to listen to things,” Lynch said. “Like I said, we expect Brandon to be an integral part of our team like he has been, and excited about that.”
This is familiar territory for Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, who had similar standoffs with Joey Bosa, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Samuel reported to training camp but opted not to participate until his contract was addressed.
Lynch said that option isn’t one the 49ers want to entertain at this time.
“We expect all of our players to practice,” Lynch said Tuesday.
The No. 25 pick in 2020, Aiyuk is currently scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option linked to his rookie deal. The top-paid receivers in the NFL helped the market for the position explode in the past six months with Vikings All-Pro Justin Jefferson pushing the bar to the greatest heights yet on a four-year, $140 million contract paying him more than $20 million more than Aiyuk.
Aiyuk had a team-leading 75 receptions and 1,342 yards with seven touchdowns in 2023.