Christian McCaffrey may want to enhance his media training… as he awkwardly referred to Brandon Aiyuk as a ‘former teammate’ during an interview amidst trade speculation surrounding the 49ers wide receiver.
On Tuesday, while responding to questions on the field at a preseason practice in Santa Clara, McCaffrey was queried about Aiyuk’s contract situation following reports that the 26-year-old is more likely to exit the Bay Area than sign a new deal.
‘You know, that’s not part of my job; it’s not part of my position,’ McCaffrey initially stated, as showcased in footage shared by Rob ‘Stats’ Guerrera and Kevin Krueger on X.
‘I think, obviously as a former teammate, or, a teammate of his, in general, any teammate you have, you love, you respect them, and you want the best for them.’
While McCaffrey’s words may have been an innocent mistake, his phrasing could complicate matters for Aiyuk, who reportedly finds himself at a crossroads with the 49ers’ front office.
Christian McCaffrey stunned many when he referred to Brandon Aiyuk as a former teammate
McCaffrey’s comment comes after Aiyuk refused to practice in training camp this preseason
With San Francisco unable to finalize a long-term contract with Aiyuk, the 49ers have allowed the star receiver to engage in discussions with other potential teams.
The pressing question now is whether Aiyuk can find a team willing to offer him the lucrative contract he’s after while also providing the 49ers with adequate trade compensation. If no arrangement is reached, Aiyuk may remain in San Francisco, either with a renewed contract or under a fifth-year option.
For the moment, the situation remains unchanged despite ongoing speculation about Aiyuk’s future.
‘I’m not going into specifics regarding offers, contracts, trades, or anything like that. But what I can tell you is that nothing has changed,’ coach Kyle Shanahan remarked on Tuesday. ‘There was a lot of talk yesterday and such, but regarding the situation with Brandon, nothing’s changed.’
According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the Niners have discussed potential trades with Cleveland and New England, which could materialize if Aiyuk is amenable to a long-term deal with those teams.
Aiyuk reportedly favors a deal with Pittsburgh, but the Steelers would also need to meet the 49ers’ asking price for one of their top players.
Coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t seem too worried about his star wideout’s contractual situation
Shanahan mentioned he doesn’t anticipate an immediate resolution.
‘You always want it to be resolved quickly. Badly,’ he said. ‘But these situations take time. Every day I hope it gets sorted out. However, I have no set timetable. It didn’t come as a surprise to me coming into this… hopefully, it will get resolved sooner rather than later.’
Aiyuk sat out the entire offseason program, including a mandatory minicamp in June, while awaiting a lucrative extension to replace the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
He reported to training camp in late July after issuing a trade request but has since refused to practice. He is, however, attending team meetings and is not incurring any fines.
Aiyuk was poised to play under the fifth-year option valued at around $14.1 million this season and was looking to San Francisco to offer him a long-term deal similar to those given to other top receivers. Previously, ten receivers had signed contracts worth at least $70 million this offseason, with Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with Minnesota setting the market benchmark.
Aiyuk was crucial to the 49ers’ offense last season and played in Super Bowl LVIII in Vegas
Aiyuk had an integral role in the 49ers’ offense last season, developing a strong rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk registered 75 receptions and a career-high 1,375 yards last season, along with seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
His absence would significantly impact San Francisco’s aspirations to return to the Super Bowl and claim victory this upcoming season.
‘Brandon’s an exceptional player,’ Shanahan remarked. ‘It’s genuinely challenging to improve when you lose a player of his caliber. We must evaluate all possibilities. We need to comprehend the situation we’re in and what it entails. This process requires time.’
‘So, here’s to hoping everything turns out for the best for him and for us in the long run.’
