SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Brandon Aiyuk is expected to put on a San Francisco 49ers uniform and practice today for the first time since last season’s Super Bowl run. “Hope so. Haven’t gotten to see him today. I hope so,” coach Kyle Shanahan said an hour before practice. “I know he’s been cleared by his doctors so I hope he’s practicing today.” That, however, does not end his contract saga. Whether Aiyuk is finally drawing close to a market-rate extension or whether he’s surprisingly willing to play out his rookie contract on a $14.1 million salary, no one is tipping their hand in this offseason’s most protected business matter, which also spawned trade possibilities for the 49ers’ leading receiver since 2022. “It’s reached a point where all options can happen, and nothing has changed on that,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan noted he’s otherwise preparing to play without Williams and Aiyuk in the Sept. 9 opener against the New York Jets. Aiyuk has previously expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders and former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. Tuesday, Commanders general manager Adam Peters said of whether a general “major move” could go down before the season, to which he replied: “We’re always going to do what we think is best for the team. If a major move comes across and we talk through it and it’s best for the long run, we’ll talk through it. We’re not averse to it. But we’re not going to make a splash move just to make a splash move. … That group of eligible receivers is really good.” PRACTICE SQUAD MAKEUP Perhaps the most notable practice-squad signing is that of veteran safety Tracy Walker III, who figures to be elevated to the game-day roster in Week 1 if Talanoa Hufanga’s ACL comeback warrants that backup plan.
