Brandon Aiyuk returns to 49ers practice after contract dispute

Brandon Aiyuk returned to practice with the San Francisco 49ers after a protracted contract dispute that included social media outbursts and a trade request. His primary goal throughout the negotiations was to remain with the team, which also had no intention of letting him go. After a challenging negotiation process, Aiyuk signed a four-year contract extension worth $120 million, with $76 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. The offseason saw a surge in receiver contracts, with Aiyuk being the sixth player to secure an average annual salary of at least $30 million. He could have opted to play under a fifth-year option worth $14.1 million, but he chose to expedite the process and finalize a deal. Aiyuk acknowledged that he made the negotiations more complicated than necessary, but he ultimately achieved his goal of staying with the 49ers. During the contract dispute, Aiyuk participated in team meetings but was not fully integrated into practice, which he found difficult. He described the experience as awkward, as he was present but not actively participating in team activities. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to the team and was eager to return to the field. Aiyuk had a standout season last year, recording 75 receptions for 1,375 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors. His performance was particularly impressive given the team's low passing rate and the presence of other star players. With his new contract, Aiyuk is poised to continue contributing significantly to the 49ers' offense.