The San Francisco 49ers’ relationship with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is nearing a breaking point. As the team begins their preparations for Week One of the regular season, the pressure to get Aiyuk back on the field has never been higher.
They are closer to the now-or-never moment, and San Francisco knows that. Do the 49ers need Brandon Aiyuk to contend for a Super Bowl? No, but his presence increases their odds, and with just 11 days remaining before opening night, there has been a clear shift from San Francisco’s brass.
Brandon Aiyuk Missing Practice:
Brandon Aiyuk has not participated in an NFL practice since the week of Super Bowl 58. On Wednesday, 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch expected that to change despite both parties still being in a stalemate over a new contract.
“I know he’s been cleared by our doctors, so I hope he’s out there practicing today,” Shanahan told reporters.
When asked if he expects Aiyuk to practice, Lynch responded, “We’ll see. I know he’s here today, and that’s the expectation.”
Lynch and Shanahan’s words felt like a clear message. Aiyuk responded by skipping practice, leading to a question about possible repercussions.
Lynch replied, “Then we’ll deal with that.” Lynch later added that the team was still optimistic about a deal with Aiyuk but, for the first time, hinted towards an ultimatum.
“We’ll remain hopeful, Lynch said. “At some point, you’ve got to play.”
On Thursday, Aiyuk was still absent from practice.
Who Has Leverage:
Brandon Aiyuk should already be suiting up for the 49ers. An escapade nearing its seventh month did not need to last this long.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers thought they were close to an agreement with Brandon Aiyuk before the draft. The deal fell through, the receiver market boomed, and Aiyuk’s asking price increased.
Since then, the 49ers and Aiyuk have been riding the leverage teetor totter. San Francisco has Aiyuk’s right for the next four seasons via the fifth-year option and the ability to franchise tag him three times.
It is a measure no team has taken before, but one San Francisco knows they have in their back pocket. Of course, there are drawbacks to using the franchise, but in principle, it gives San Francisco more leverage over Aiyuk.
While Aiyuk can refuse trades to other teams, having already declined to sign extensions with the Patriots and Browns, the 49ers do not need to trade him. In fact, they should do the exact opposite and force Aiyuk to play.
Drawing a Line in the Sand:
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan look fed up with Brandon Aiyuk and the ongoing contract negotiations. They want Aiyuk back on the field, whether via a contract extension or playing on the fifth-year option, but the clock is ticking.
Now more than ever, the organization should hit the “in case of emergency” box and fine Aiyuk every time he misses practice. Make Aiyuk feel the pressure and twist his arm until he has to show up.
This method can take a while, knowing Aiyuk only has to play or be active for six games to accrue a full season. Meaning, Aiyuk could hold out until Week 13 and theoretically still become a free agent next offseason.
If San Francisco deploys the fine and wait plan, Aiyuk will be subject to an estimated 40,000 dollar daily fine for unexcused absences. If he refuses to play in the regular season, the 49ers can fine him another 784,666 dollars per week missed, according to Spotrac.
That would be a whopping 9.4 million dollars in fines if Aiyuk sat out until Week 13, leaving him with just 4.7 million dollars remaining of an expected 14 million dollar salary.
It may be a dirty, albeit legal, tactic that could rub Aiyuk the wrong way, ending any hope of a contract extension. It could also force Aiyuk back on the field and give the 49ers one last shot at a Super Bowl before inevitably trading the star wide receiver next offseason.
The 49ers host the New York Jets in 11 days. The witching hour is near, and it is time for the San Francisco 49ers to draw the line in the sand.
Either Aiyuk signs a contract extension, plays on the fifth-year option, or risks financial repercussions.
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