San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers GM reacts to Brandon Aiyuk's surprise training-camp move

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Jul 24, 2024 8:34 AM ET

The ongoing Brandon Aiyuk offseason drama took another surprising turn on Tuesday, with the star wideout reporting to San Francisco 49ers training camp.

Brandon Aiyuk in the house for the start of the #49ers’ training camp. Where it all goes from here, we shall see. https://t.co/dSmvhJarsC
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 23, 2024

Niners general manager John Lynch addressed Aiyuk's decision (which shocked some Bay Area media members), as well as the swirling rumors of a possible trade.

The second-team All-Pro requested a trade on July 16.

#49ers GM John Lynch said he does not know if Brandon Aiyuk is in the building, but he expects him to report to Santa Clara today.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) July 23, 2024

John Lynch says he expects all the 49ers to report for training camp. Will Brandon Aiyuk practice when he reports?

“We expect all our players to practice," Lynch said.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) July 23, 2024

John Lynch says "no absolutes" regarding a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade but emphasizes "we fully intend on Brandon being a Niner."

This has been the refrain from 49ers' management throughout
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 23, 2024

Following a career year where he posted team-bests in targets (105), receptions (75) and receiving yards (1,342) — while tying for first with seven touchdown receptions — months-long contract negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion.

According to an ESPN report, Lynch said that the team will continue negotiating with Aiyuk but didn't have a specific date for when an agreement could come.

The 26-year-old didn't report to San Francisco's mandatory minicamp in June, so Tuesday's news could be a step in the right direction of a new deal and mending a potentially fractured relationship.

Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is slated to make $14.12M in 2024.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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