Brandon Aiyuk attending voluntary workouts is a good sign for 49ers

Despite difficult contract extension talks, Brandon Aiyuk is nevertheless attending the 49ers' voluntary offseason workout program.

Aside from the speculation about which prospects the San Francisco 49ers will select in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the talk surrounding the team this offseason has centered around star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Specifically, what will happen regarding his pending contract extension, one that should make him one of the league's highest-paid wideouts as he enters year five of his original rookie contract signed back when he was drafted in 2020.

There's plenty of rumor here, too, ranging from fallout from him unfollowing San Francisco on social media to potential trade requests (that were subsequently denied by his agent) and more.

So, with the 49ers beginning Phase 1 of their offseason workout programs at Levi's Stadium this week, even more speculation fell upon Aiyuk as to whether or not he would attend.

Turns out he is attending. And that's great news for the Niners.

49ers must be relieved at Brandon Aiyuk attending offseason workouts

It's important to note that these workouts are voluntary. Plenty of players, especially veterans, opt to train away from their respective teams during this timeframe, only reporting when mandatory minicamp kicks off later in the year.

There are also other star receivers who are in a similar position as Aiyuk, including Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings and CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, those two aren't attending their respective teams' voluntary workouts as they await their own extensions:

Related story: What would a Brandon Aiyuk contract extension look like?

Aiyuk isn't taking this same path.

While it's not at all disastrous if a player doesn't attend such sessions, especially amid negotiations, Aiyuk's presence is a good indication he doesn't want to be a distraction. It's definitely a team-first mentality that suggests he's willing to do his part in good faith. He also has to understand the trend that San Francisco has a good history of rewarding its top players.

Even if it doesn't happen immediately in the offseason.

In the interim, Aiyuk is being patient and avoiding generating any additional distractions or concerns by not attending.

That's good news for the 49ers.

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