If there’s animosity between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers front office, it didn’t show at Thursday’s training camp practice.
Aiyuk, who reported for camp but isn’t participating in practice while he awaits a contract extension, already showed a willingness to resolve his contract dispute amicably by showing up to the team facility on Tuesday when veterans were required to report. His other option was to hold out and not report.
He was on the field for Wednesday’s practice before exiting to the team facility with general manager John Lynch according to reporters on site. Thursday was more of the same, but with a twist. Aiyuk was on the field again, only this time he and Lynch watched together.
Bad blood? GM John Lynch watches every practice from deep centerfield. Today he has a partner, Brandon Aiyuk. pic.twitter.com/Xn9gMVxOFW
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) July 25, 2024
Barrows indicated Aiyuk watched the latter portion of practice with safety Talanoa Hufanga. Hufanga is on the PUP list while recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in Week 11 last season.
Aiyuk watching a practice with Lynch doesn’t necessarily mean a contract is close. It does provide some optimism though that the two sides are at least talking and trying to work toward an extension.
So far Aiyuk has done all the right things through two days of camp. The more he continues doing that, the better.
