49ers star offers gloomy take regarding Brandon Aiyuk saga

During a Thursday appearance on sports radio station KNBR, head coach Kyle Shanahan teased that the San Francisco 49ers could eventually get a deal with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk done that would ensure Aiyuk would play for the club this coming season.

49ers tight end George Kittle sounded less optimistic while speaking with Tim Kawakami of The Athletic about Aiyuk's short-term future.

"Hopefully it pans out the way that’s the best possible way for both Brandon and the 49ers," Kittle said about the situation. "And whatever happens, happens. Because I have zero control over it and there’s nothing I can do about it. … For Brandon, it’s just, I want what’s best for him. If he requests a trade, I hope that he gets to go somewhere that’s best for him. And I have no bad blood with Brandon."

While the 49ers reportedly aren't "in a rush to" make any significant move regarding Aiyuk's status, the 26-year-old in the final year of his rookie contract continues to be linked with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers may not meet the 49ers' exact asking price for Aiyuk, and San Francisco could match the best extension offer made by Pittsburgh to the dynamic receiver considering he's signed through the 2024 season and could be retained for 2025 via the franchise tag.

As shown by ESPN stats, Aiyuk posted team bests of 75 receptions, 105 targets and 1,342 receiving yards during the 49ers' first full regular season with Brock Purdy serving as their starting quarterback. Aiyuk, fellow receiver Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey shared the team lead with seven touchdown catches.

Kittle suggested the 49ers can't simply replace Aiyuk's production overnight regardless of who they may get from the Steelers in a trade.

"I would definitely say that it would be a significant loss," Kittle added about Aiyuk's possible departure. "(Aiyuk)’s a fantastic wide receiver who does everything that you want. He runs every route tree. He makes huge plays. He gives 100-percent effort in the run game. He leads by example. He brings awesome energy every single day of work. He’s everything you want in a football player."

At least one alleged inside source believed as recently as Thursday the door was still open for the 49ers to ultimately lock Aiyuk down via a lucrative extension. Such hope may explain why Aiyuk remained with San Francisco as of Friday afternoon.