Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could face a daily fine of up to $45,769 if he misses multiple daily team activities amid his hold-in for a new contract, Nick Wagoner reported for ESPN.

These fines would be assessed at "the discretion of the team," and once applied could not be waived, per David Lombardi of The Athletic.

The 49ers held their first practice since final roster cuts on Wednesday. Aiyuk did not join, despite head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch saying he had been medically cleared to participate.

Aiyuk could be fined up to $6,403 for his first missed practice, an amount that is set to increase if he does not participate in additional team activities.

Update, we forgot the annual increase:

Fine process goes $6,403 for the first fine for a missed practice, meeting or curfew, the second one is $11,206 and the third one is $16,009.

Maximum total fine for a day is $45,769 (that's all of those fines accumulating). Then suspension https://t.co/C85pfCAyn5

— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) August 28, 2024

Players can be fined up to $33,902 per day for missing preseason training camp, but that number climbs once the 53-man roster is set and the regular season begins under the current CBA.

During regular-season practice, players can be fined up to $16,009 for each individual missed activity, including team meals and transportation.

Prior to Wednesday's practice Lynch said the 49ers would "deal with that" if Aiyuk was absent, but did not specify whether the team planned to levy any fines.

John Lynch on if Brandon Aiyuk will practice today:

“We’ll see. I know he's here today and that's the expectation.” pic.twitter.com/0lgy50NMkA

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 28, 2024

Aiyuk has yet to participate in training camp or practice with the 49ers this offseason as he holds in for an extension rather than playing on the $14.1 million fifth year of his rookie contract.

The wide receiver was the subject of rumored trade interest by teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns before the 49ers reportedly renewed negotiations at the beginning of August.

Aiyuk recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season and is likely to once more serve as a top target for Brock Purdy if the 49ers can solve the ongoing contract dispute prior to their Sept. 9 season opener.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manger John Lynch say negotiations with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remain unsettled less than two weeks before the start of the 2024 season.

"It's reached a point where all options could happen, and nothing has changed on that," Shanahan said Wednesday, per Cam Inman of the Mercury News.

Shanahan said he "doesn't really have any expectations" regarding Aiyuk's availability for Week 1, per Inman.

Aiyuk has yet to participate in 49ers practice this offseason amid a hold-in over an extension of his rookie contract. He was not present again at the beginning of Wednesday's practice, Matt Maiocco reported for NBC Sports.

"At some point, you've got to play," Lynch said about Aiyuk, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The 49ers open the regular season on Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.

Shanahan has previously told reporters that Aiyuk was sitting out from practices because of a back injury.

Both he and Lynch said before practice on Wednesday that the 26-year-old had been cleared to rejoin the team.

"We'll see," Lynch said about the likelihood the 49ers would see Aiyuk at practice. "I know he's here today, and that's the expectation."

When asked what would happen if Aiyuk did not join practice, Lynch responded, "Then we'll deal with that."

John Lynch on if Brandon Aiyuk will practice today:

“We’ll see. I know he's here today and that's the expectation.” pic.twitter.com/0lgy50NMkA

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 28, 2024

Aiyuk made 105 catches for a career-high 1,342 receiving yards while recording seven touchdowns in 16 starts for the 49ers last season as a top target for Brock Purdy.

He has been the subject of trade rumors amid his hold-in this offseason, particularly involving the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, but reportedly restarted talks with the 49ers earlier this month.

Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday that he was preparing for the possibility of starting the regular season without Aiyuk or offensive tackle Trent Williams, who is holding out for a new contract of his own.

"We're getting close to playing a game," Shanahan said. "So my mind is completely on preparing for a game without those guys."

With the 53-man roster finalized for the 2024 season, the 49ers are now expecting Aiyuk to practice, but it remains to be seen whether the wideout will rejoin the team before finalizing a new deal.

The San Francisco 49ers had a positive development when wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk attended the team's preseason finale amid his contract negotiations, but stalwart left tackle Trent Williams remains away from the team while he awaits a new deal.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that sources said Williams "wants to be 'paid-paid' like the very important piece he is."

Williams has skipped the entirety of San Francisco's offseason program, including mandatory minicamp, training camp and the entire preseason.

The three-time first-team All-Pro is seeking a contract adjustment from the $20.1 million he's set to make this year, as his $22.5 million and $32.2 million salaries for 2025 and 2026, respectively, are not guaranteed. There are indications that he's willing to hold out for however long it takes for his demands to be reached.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday's episode of SportsCenter that the 36-year-old is prepared to miss regular-season games, if necessary.

"He is not going to be available until he gets his contract adjusted," Fowler said. "He's trying to stay away from the team [and] is not overly stressed to have to be out there right now."

With preseason over, Trent Williams plans to continue his holdout unless his contract is reworked, placing Week 1 availability for #49ers into focus.

(With @CrisAlexESPN) pic.twitter.com/ETPlNOAN3n

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 26, 2024

An 11-time Pro Bowler, Williams has long been one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. He helped pave the way for 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's exceptional 2023 campaign that ended with the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. He was the key protector of quarterback Brock Purdy as San Francisco made a run to Super Bowl LVIII, where it lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Without Williams, the 49ers will have some trouble holding their position in the competitive NFC, so it's imperative that they get him back into the fold before the season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 9.

Another top NFL wide receiver got paid on Monday.

Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb agreed to a four-year, $136 million deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The contract includes a $38 million signing bonus and makes him the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. It's also the largest deal ever given to a receiver.

After Lamb's signing a pair of star receivers are still awaiting their new contracts.

San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk and Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase are likely two of the top receivers due next for massive raises.

Aiyuk, who has participated in a hold-in and requested a trade, was projected by Spotrac to get a four-year, $104 million extension, whether that be from San Francisco or someone else. Chase's projection from Spotrac is slightly higher than that at four years and $120 million.

Lamb's historic contract doesn't come as much of a shock considering the season he just had. In his fourth NFL campaign, Lamb led the league in receptions with 135, tallied the second-most receiving yards with 1,749 and had the third-most touchdowns with 12.

Aiyuk, who is 26, a year older than Lamb, had 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year, leading the 49ers receiving room on the way to a Super Bowl appearance. Aiyuk's lofty projected contract could be a problem for San Francisco, which already has high contract obligations on both offense and defense and will have to pay quarterback Brock Purdy next offseason.

Aiyuk was clearly integral to the 49ers' success last year, but a high price tag could be too much for San Francisco to keep him on the roster.

Chase, who is 24 and set to enter his fourth NFL season in 2024, posted 1,216 receiving yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Those numbers are down from his tremendous rookie season that saw him tally 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

He returned to practice on Sunday, which is a good indication that he won't continue his hold-in into the season. Chase has the benefit of time since his contract runs through the 2025 season, so he could put up career numbers this year with quarterback Joe Burrow back on the field and benefit from a wide receiver market that was reset by huge contracts this offseason.

The never-ending saga regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's future destination now contains another twist, as the Washington Commanders may still be alive for him.

Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle told KNBR that his "reporting suggests that is not dead."

"I wouldn't rule out Washington," Silver said (h/t Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot).

"And I know there have been reports that the Commanders are out. But they just traded a receiver today. Adam Peters and John Lynch obviously can communicate very easily on this. That's the other team besides the Steelers that Aiyuk has honed in on as where he wants to go. And I know people think that because something gets reported that it's closed, it's closed. But I don't think it's ever really closed, right? So I would keep an eye on that."

On Tuesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the 49ers and Aiyuk, who had issued a trade request after previously failed contract negotiations, were progressing on a long-term contract extension.

Sources: The #49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk had another meeting yesterday and talks continue to progress on a long-term contract extension. There has been movement on a deal, but there are some minor details that still need to be ironed out with ownership approval. pic.twitter.com/Z0OWumelSF

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 20, 2024

The day before, Albert Breer of MMQB had this to say regarding Aiyuk, who has been heavily connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"The Brandon Aiyuk situation drags on, and I don't have a whole lot to add on it. The San Francisco 49ers' star didn't want to go to New England, which offered him more than $30 million per year in its proposals, or the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers' price point was less than $28 million, which put Pittsburgh right in the neighborhood the Niners were inhabiting—with Mike Tomlin's presence there the drawing card.

"That, in turn, pushed Aiyuk back to the table with the Niners."

The 49errs would appear to be the leaders in the clubhouse for the 26-year-old, who caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He's entering the final year of his rookie deal and clearly deserving of a lucrative long-term contract.

The question is where. Aiyuk previously said on The Pivot podcast that he'd want to play for the Commanders (currently quarterbacked by his good friend and ex-Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels) or the Steelers if not for the 49ers.

The Commanders just traded 2022 first-round wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles, an eyebrow-raising move for a team that invested the No. 16 overall selection in the ex-Penn State star.

That doesn't necessarily signal a precursor to adding Aiyuk. But still, Silver's report certainly turns some heads as Aiyuk's future NFL location remains uncertain.

The Brandon Aiyuk saga has gone on so long that even San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is making jokes about it.

When asked about the situation during an appearance on KNBR's Tolbert & Copes show (starts at :15 mark), Shanahan said "Oh so much has changed—no, I'm just joking."

Shanahan went on to say there are "no new updates" about Aiyuk's status at this point.

While there has yet to be any sort of agreement between Aiyuk and the 49ers about an extension, the once-icy tension from the two sides could be thawing.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported there has been "movement on a deal" between Aiyuk and the 49ers after they had a meeting on Monday, with "minor details" still needing to be worked out and approval from ownership.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo (h/t Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area), the 49ers have "pretty much agreed" to terms over the first three years on an extension, but Aiyuk's camp wants "an adjustment" for the fourth and final year that would be non-guaranteed.

Garafolo also called an agreement "really close to being done," which is a key reason why the 49ers have yet to move forward with a trade sending Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Credit to Shanahan for trying to make a joke about the situation that everyone in the Bay Area has been waiting to get resolved since the Super Bowl ended. He's had to answer questions about it seemingly every day since training camp opened.

Shanahan has sounded more optimistic about Trent Williams' holdout potentially ending soon. He told KNBR (h/t Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group) they've been "negotiating hard" and "hopefully" a deal is getting close.

The 49ers are running out of time to get things worked out with Aiyuk and Williams, as there are just two weeks remaining before the start of the regular season.

In an offense loaded with elite skill-position players, Aiyuk has emerged as an essential playmaker for the 49ers. He has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, including a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023.

The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk "continue to progress on a long-term contract extension," NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Tuesday.

According to Schultz, there remain "minor details that still need to be ironed out with ownership approval."

Sources: The #49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk had another meeting yesterday and talks continue to progress on a long-term contract extension. There has been movement on a deal, but there are some minor details that still need to be ironed out with ownership approval. pic.twitter.com/Z0OWumelSF

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 20, 2024

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Aug. 9 that the 49ers had begun a "renewed effort" to sign the 26-year-old after trade rumors linked him to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

The Browns offered a trade package for Aiyuk that would have sent receiver Amari Cooper, as well as second- and fifth-round picks, to San Francisco, Matt Maiocco reported for NBC Sports Bay Area.

The trade was not finalized because "the Browns were not one of Aiyuk's preferred destinations," according to Maiocco.

In contrast, he would have been fine with a trade to the Steelers, per Maiocco. But when Pittsburgh reportedly did not match an asking price that included second- and third-round picks, that deal stalled out as well.

Aiyuk initially requested a trade from the 49ers in July after early negotiations with San Francisco reportedly stalled.

The wide receiver is set to make just over $14 million in the final year of his rookie contract, and he was seeking to play the 2024 season for an amount closer to market value for the league's top receivers.

That became more challenging this summer as the top of that market was reset multiple times, perhaps most notably by the four-year, $140 million deal agreed to by the Minnesota Vikings and wideout Justin Jefferson.

But with potential deals with the Browns and Steelers both having hit walls, and another potential suitor in the New England Patriots rescinding their interest, the 49ers may have little choice but to work out a new deal with Aiyuk or risk having his holdout stretch into the 2024 season.

Aiyuk recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season and is likely to remain a top target for Brock Purdy if he sticks around in San Francisco this fall.

There's no new news on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (hold-in, trade request) and left tackle Trent Williams (holdout), per head coach Kyle Shanahan.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on the Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams situations: “Zero updates. Nothing has changed.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 20, 2024

Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The 26-year-old just caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.

The 36-year-old Williams has made first-team All-Pro each of the last three years. He's an 11-time Pro Bowler who is entering the fourth year of a six-season, $138.06 million contract.

But as noted by Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, "Williams' average per year of $23.01 million ranks sixth among offensive linemen, and "he has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract."

Obviously, Aiyuk and Williams are both integral members of a 49ers team that nearly beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. At full strength, San Francisco is in prime shape to contend again for the Lombardi Trophy.

Of course, there's the matter of Aiyuk and Williams returning to the team, and it's cutting it a touch close now with San Francisco opening the 2024 season on Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and 49ers reportedly have a deal in place for a trade, but San Francisco still wants to keep Aiyuk, per ESPN. That's certainly understandable given his importance to the team and long-term potential. The flip side is the team could potentially lose Aiyuk next offseason without a long-term contract in place, and it's possible the Steelers' offer is the best the team can get.

Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle provided more details on the offer itself.

"The 49ers, who are in Last Dance mode, want a current player included in any trade. The Steelers were unwilling to part with any of the starters (such as receiver George Pickens, tight end Pat Freiermuth or safety Minkah Fitzpatrick) the 49ers craved. Pittsburgh is willing to give up second- and third-round draft picks, however, leading the 49ers to explore a different strategy: Using one of those picks to pry a productive wide receiver from a third team in a separate trade."

There isn't any trade talk on the Williams' front, but if he's obviously willing to lose $50,000 a day, as Maiocco reported regarding the mandatory fine, then it's clear he's serious about wanting a long-term deal.

For now, everything remains in a holding pattern, with Shanahan saying there is no update. The good news is that there is some time with the season opener still three weeks away, though.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not looking to lose any players in a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade.

During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Gerry Dulac of KDKA-TV reported that the Steelers' trade offer to the San Francisco 49ers included a second-round pick and some potential lower picks but did not include any players.

"The Steelers, I was told, were not going to offer any players in the trade," Dulac said. "They were going to offer draft picks, a number two, and then something else. I guess they are just kind of waiting to see what the 49ers decide to do."

Dulac continued by saying the Steelers are "very adamant" about not including a player and while adding Aiyuk would help improve the receiving core, he's not a "need."

"They would like to have him, I don't want to say they need to have him," Dulac said. "When you have George Pickens, you don't need to have him, but there is no question they would like to have him."

Aiyuk is seeking a new contract and the presence of multiple star players on the 49ers roster means that not everyone will be able to hang around. The New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns were previous suitors for the 26-year-old, but the Steelers appear to be the only trade option left for San Francisco.

Aiyuk is certainly worth a lucrative contract and a prominent role in an offense. He had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 and helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.

Pittsburgh could certainly improve with Aiyuk on the roster and have $16.2 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. However, the presence of a strong receiver like Pickens already makes the lives of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields a bit easier and sacrificing from other areas of the team appears to not be in the Steelers' interest.

Brandon Aiyuk will not be a New England Patriot.

The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is on the trade block and the Patriots were a suitor. However, Aiyuk reportedly turned down the offer and Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said that the team "at this point" has closed the door on acquiring Aiyuk and is focused on developing its young talent.

When asked if the Pats have fully closed the door on trading for Brandon Aiyuk, Eliot Wolf said “yes, at this point.”

Said that the good week they’ve seen from their young receivers helped factor into their decision to move on from Aiyuk trade talks @WEEI pic.twitter.com/ndGcIdMHYY

— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) August 18, 2024

"We just felt organizationally that our young receivers had a really good week and they are continuing to progress so we are excited about those guys."

Aiyuk had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 and is in search of a new contract. The Patriots were reportedly willing to pay him upwards of $32 million per season, but he passed due to the uncertain quarterback situation.

The 49ers are in a much better spot than the Patriots as an organization, to say the least. San Francisco went 12-5 in 2023 and reached the Super Bowl. The team has multiple weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and rookie Ricky Pearsall, and quarterback Brock Purdy is entering his third season.

New England went 4-13 in 2023 and parted ways with long-time head coach Bill Belichick and 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones. The team utilized the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on quarterback Drake Maye and signed veteran Jacoby Brissett in the offseason.

While Maye could be a star, he is a project and will likely sit behind Brissett to start the season. Brissett could be an upgrade over Jones and backup Bailey Zappe, but he is still not up to the caliber of Brock Purdy and many other starters around the league.

The Patriots were led in 2023 by Demario Douglas' 561 receiving yards. While Aiyuk would likely get more, it's still a very uncertain situation and if Maye does not live up to the hype, it could become a difficult spot for a receiver to be in.

New England now will focus on developing Douglas and 2024 draftees Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker as the team hopes Maye can become the next face of the franchise.