Why it’s essential for 49ers to pay WR Brandon Aiyuk and keep him in the fold

Even with months-long speculation of a trade percolating nationally, Brandon Aiyuk remains a regular spectator as the San Francisco 49ers move through the preseason.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Aiyuk watched Sunday night's game against the New Orleans Saints, a 16-10 49ers victory televised on FOX, from a suite with the rest of the team's injured players. Though the disgruntled receiver requested a trade and has been a hold-in during training camp, Aiyuk has been observed at practice conditioning on a side field and wearing team-issued gear.

It's an indication that he may not be going anywhere. 

"I trust Brandon knows what he's got to do for this year to get ready to play," Shanahan recently told reporters. "I have a feeling he's finding a way to stay in shape and do those things. But there's a football-shape element that I know he is eager to get back to — and us, too. So hopefully we can get to that soon."

There remains a possibility, of course, that Aiyuk will be traded. According to reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a trade offer on the table that satisfies San Francisco's compensation demands and quenches Aiyuk's desire to be one of the top-paid receivers in the NFL. He reportedly nixed a trade offer to the New England Patriots that included a contract that would have paid him $32 million annually. 

San Francisco general manager John Lynch said communication between the team, Aiyuk and his representation remains good. 

"We're trying to figure out solutions," Lynch told KNBR radio in San Francisco. "I'm always hopeful. I'm an optimistic person by nature, and so I'm always hopeful that we'll get there, and get there soon. I can tell you we feel the urgency to have him. The season is approaching."