49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: ‘Nothing’s Changed’ With Brandon Aiyuk Situation

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the Brandon Aiyuk situation on Wednesday, and yet again, had nothing new to share.

Shanahan spoke to KNBR, the local radio station in the Bay Area, and was asked for the latest on Aiyuk.

“Oh, so much has changed. No, I’m just joking,” Shanahan said. “No, no new updates. I’m sorry to keep being boring with that, but I wish I was saying something different, but nothing’s changed yet.”

Aiyuk remains in a contract hold in as the final week of preseason play nears. He hasn’t participated in the 49ers training camp as he seeks a new contract.

Aiyuk is entering his fifth and final year of team control with the 49ers and wants to be paid like some of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Minnesota Vikings Justin Jefferson became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history when he signed a four-year, $140 million extension this offseason. Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown is the second-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL in terms of average annual value at $32.5 million per year.

Aiyuk is coming off the best season of his career in 2023 when he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He emerged as one of the league’s best receivers and earned All-Pro Second Team honors.

Aiyuk is a vital piece of the 49ers’ offense. He, along with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, make up arguably the best set of weapons in the entire league. Without Aiyuk, though, the 49ers have a clear hole at the wide receiver position.

Alongside Samuel, the 49ers have Jauan Jennings, Ronnie Bell, and rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. They also added Trent Taylor this offseason and recently signed veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen. At this point, there are no locks on the roster outside of Samuel, Jennings, and Pearsall.

The 49ers have made it known they want to keep Aiyuk in San Francisco. Despite a trade request and reported discussions with multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 49ers know Aiyuk is crucial to the success of their team.

More news: Steelers’ Reported Trade Offer for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Revealed

“I love our roster. I love the way it’s comprised,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said earlier this offseason. “As I said, we were right there. And we got to find a way to get just a little bit better. And I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together and that’s my goal. And I don’t question that. I’ve got so much belief. When you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo (Samuel), these are guys we drafted. They’re guys we take a lot of pride in what they’ve become, who they’ve become. And we couldn’t be more proud of these guys.”