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SANTA CLARA – General manager John Lynch doesn’t have an answer to the question so many are asking about 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Why did it take so long to resolve Aiyuk’s contract situation?
“I wish I knew,” Lynch said with a laugh, answering a question during a Friday morning appearance on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus.”
“I wish I knew.”
The 49ers and Aiyuk’s representatives began working toward a new contract early in the offseason. But the receiver market exploded and the parties fell apart in their talks. Aiyuk asked to be traded a week before training camp began.
The 49ers have held transfer talks with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, but are also keeping open the possibility that Aiyuk will stay with the team on a multi-year contract.
Aiyuk reported to training camp on time to avoid fines. He has not practiced as part of his hold-in. This summer, he has regularly watched practices from the sidelines. The 49ers have held 16 practices.
“It’s been a long, arduous, hard process, a hard journey,” Lynch said. “We started so early and for some reason we couldn’t get it across the finish line. That was frustrating. But communication with Brandon and his agent has still been very good and we’re trying to find a solution.”
“I’m always hopeful. I’m an optimistic person by nature, so I always hope we can do it and soon. I can tell you, we feel the urgency to have him. The season is getting closer.”
Lynch said there was no “bad blood” during negotiations. He said he believes Aiyuk remains in good physical shape and won’t need much preparation time to get on the field when a deal is done — if a deal is done.
Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers and will receive $14.124 million for the upcoming season.
The 49ers open the regular season on Monday, September 9, against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium.
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