The ongoing standoff between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers will be the underlying topic of conversation on Tuesday as veterans are set to report for training camp.
Joining Monday's edition of The Insiders, San Francisco's star tight end, George Kittle, lent his support to Aiyuk following the wide receiver's recent trade request, adding why his teammate is such an essential part of the 49ers' offense.
"Aiyuk's just a phenomenal football player," Kittle told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. "He does everything you want him to do as a wide receiver, including taking touchdowns form me once in a while, which I'm totally OK with. But he's just such a dynamic receiver and he's just such a very important part of our offense. So, yes, getting Brandon Aiyuk the money that he deserves -- I hope nothing for the best for him. There's, unfortunately, not much that I can do to help put with that, except just cheer him on from the sidelines and hopefully we figure something out because he's one of my favorite teammates I've had.
"When there's a receiver who can run every single route, catch all the tough footballs, be open at the right time, but also grinds in the run game, blocks everybody you want him to -- you see all his highlights in the run game. When you have a guy that does all that type of stuff and just sets the tempo and sets the tone -- those guys are really important to your offense."
Aiyuk's trade request came following an offseason filled with unsuccessful attempts at a long-term deal with the 49ers, who have been unwilling to engage in negotiations since May, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported last week.
Aiyuk, who has gone as far as publicly listing other teams (Commanders, Steelers) as potential landing spots this summer, has been absent from all of the 49ers' offseason activities, including the club's mandatory minicamp, which incurred a fine for the wideout.
The 26-year-old is coming off consecutive seasons in which he's produced at least 75 receptions, 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. Aiyuk, who's set to earn 14.124 million in the final year of his rookie contract, is seeking long-term security during a time where several other wide receivers around the league have seen hefty pay days this offseason.
Kittle didn't show any concern about Aiyuk's contract situation in early July, explaining that the Niners have historically signed players to extensions weeks into training camp. Perhaps the five-time Pro Bowl TE remains unconcerned about it all because of that, but as the defending NFC champions come together on Tuesday, Kittle let it be known how important Aiyuk is for San Francisco.
