Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is avoiding mandatory minicamp in an effort to get a new contract.

This offseason, Aiyuk skipped voluntary training in an effort to sign a contract that would better fit the explosive receiver market. Failure to attend the required three-day minicamp could result in a penalty exceeding $100,000 for the recipient. However, players like Aiyuk who are on their rookie fifth-year option may eventually have their fines waived by the team, as the Niners did with Nick Bosa last season. This is in contrast to veterans who are on their second deal.

Aiyuk requested his first extension on the day Christian McCaffrey, the running back, received another paycheck.

It is hardly surprising that Aiyuk skipped the required minicamp. He wants in on the activity since he observes other receivers—including his draft classmates—getting paid. One of the few methods by which players might exert influence is to withhold services.

The Niners need to decide if they want to take on the growing market or wait until they have made another postseason run before making a move.   The holdout: How far could they go? Into the regular season, the preseason, or even training camp?

The Niners acknowledged that trade rumours circulated prior to the draft, but general manager John Lynch stated afterwards that the team intended to retain the wide receiver group in 2024, even with the acquisition of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, a first-round selection. Whether Aiyuk is willing to play that game is the unanswered question. Could he advocate for an alternative outcome, or is he ready to take the chance of playing for a title contender on a lower contract and wait for his big payoff in 2025?