NFL

Warner: Aiyuk contract dispute a 'good issue' for 49ers

By Sports Desk July 23, 2024

San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk is currently in a contract battle with the team, and Fred Warner believes it is a "good issue to have".

Aiyuk was in contract negotiations with the 49ers to extend his current deal but reportedly has not held talks with them since May.

Unable to reach a deal, the 26-year-old instead asked for a trade.

It is not the first time the 49ers have found themselves in lengthy contract disputes, going through the same process to resign Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuels and Warner himself.

The linebacker was unfazed by the controversies though, instead choosing to focus on the positives.

"When you're part of such a talented roster, I feel like this is something that goes on every season," Warner said via NBC Sports Bay Area.

"It's a good issue to have because, obviously, that means that your players are performing at such a high level that you have to have these kinds of conversations."

Aiyuk is under contract with San Francisco for 2024 in the option year of his rookie deal.

He impressed last season on their run to Super Bowl LVIII, earning second-team All-Pro honours and ranking seventh in the NFL with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards.

His average of 17.9 yards per catch ranked second in the league, while only the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill bettered his 16 receptions of 25 or more yards.

Overall, since being picked in the 2020 draft, Aiyuk has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards, with 25 touchdown catches in 62 games.

As a key figure in the team, Aiyuk has been supported by his team-mates throughout the dispute, and Warner said he is ready to welcome him back when the saga is sorted.

"It's a part of the business, and so we all just let them handle that. And when he's back, he's back. We'll welcome him with open arms."

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