Brandon Aiyuk's lingering hold-in has created some awkward moments in San Francisco.
Things could get uncomfortable for teammates and coaches, as it appears the star receiver might have one foot out of The Bay.
Fellow receiver Deebo Samuel, who went through his own contract kerfuffle with the organization two years ago, was asked Wednesday if not lining up alongside Aiyuk is bittersweet after four years together.
"You know, it's kind of weird for sure," Samuel said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "I remember last year when we played the Giants [and Aiyuk was out with injury], I went to him, and I was like, 'Bruh, I never knew how weird it was for you not to not be on the field at the same time' and the time I was out, and he was out there by himself, [he] was just like 'I kind of see what you feel, it kind of felt awkward.' Being out there with someone for four years straight.
"Business is business, and you know how it goes."
This week's news that an Aiyuk trade appears more likely than the wideout getting a new contract in San Francisco has reinvigorated the rumor mill.
When social media gets swirling, it can make things awkward for players in the building during a hold-in. Samuel said he understands the business and will remain close to Aiyuk regardless of how the future shakes out.
"I still talk to him every day. He's in meetings, we still chop it up," Samuel said of his interactions with Aiyuk. "And not even about the things that are going on, but just like brother talk. Regardless of whatever happens, that's still my guy, love him to death whether he here or he there or wherever. But you know, like I just said, business is business and just going out there and I can only control the things I can control and so I just go out there and do the best I can at my job."
