REPORT : George Kittle gives optimistic outlook on 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk contract talks

As the contract dispute between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk approaches training camp, there has been nothing in the way of updates.

Aiyuk is presently scheduled to play the 2024 season under a team option for $14.124 million and will be a free agency after the season, barring the team’s choice to franchise tag him or work out a new contract.

The two sides have apparently been negotiating a new contract since the end of the previous season. While tight end George Kittle admitted to having no inside information on the discussions, he did express some optimism recently.

During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Kittle was asked about Aiyuk’s contract issue and mentioned a few other transactions that the 49ers completed during training camp or near the start of the new season.

“I think, if you look at my career, being a Forty-Niner, and the way most of the contracts have gone, I didn’t get signed until the second week of training camp, [WR] Deebo [Samuel] was pretty late [in 2022],” Kittle shared with Eisen via 49erswebzone.com. “[DE Nick] Bosa was just before the opening week of [last] season. That is how business is done out there.

“I am not in the meetings. I have no idea how the negotiations are moving. I deliberately avoid talking to anyone involved in contract negotiations, so when people ask me questions, I have no idea. But I am not concerned about it.”Finally, Kittle lauded Aiyuk’s skill and stated that he believes the wideout will be with the team when the season begins.

“Aiyuk is a fantastic football player who is an important component of our offense, and he’s one of the most complete receivers I’ve ever played with. So I’m going to anticipate that Aiyuk will join our club by the start of the season.”As things stand, four wide receivers make $30 million or more per year, while ten make $24 million or more. Aiyuk is coming off a fantastic season in which he racked up 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, he has caught 153 passes for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.