Brandon Aiyuk’s “hold in” might be his pass to freedom.
According to Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, coach Kyle Shanahan is bothered by Aiyuk’s decision to attend training camp but skip practice because it is thought that Aiyuk is “brooding” when in and around the facility.
The 49ers might play hardball with Aiyuk, telling him he must practice and prepare to play for only $14.1 million this year — or be penalized (and potentially suspended, in time) for conduct detrimental to the team. At some point between now and Week 1, they’ll need to remind him it’s time to get to work.
Nevertheless, Aiyuk appears to have discovered a way to be both present and a pain in the ass without being overtly so, and it appears to be striking a raw nerve for Shanahan.
The whole Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch approach depends on guys who are willing to roll out of bed and run through a wall; having someone around who lacks that vibe can make it more difficult to get everyone else to behave the way the 49ers need them to.
It seems easier for the 49ers to deal with the player not being there at all than with him present but failing to grab an oar and row as hard as he can.
It is functioning, whatever the method and circumstances. The 49ers are headed in the direction of making a trade or, more likely, giving in and paying Aiyuk more than they would have liked to.
Additionally, it looks like Aiyuk will be able to choose his destination. The Patriots are out because Aiyuk refuses to play for them, not because they did not give the 49ers a good enough offer. The Browns might come up next. The Steelers, who apparently were not giving the 49ers enough, may end up with Aiyuk in the end.
Pittsburgh might have more to offer. Perhaps the 49ers have simply decided to give it up. In any case, the 49ers are beginning to understand that Mike Tomlin, the coach of the Steelers, can use his favorite phrase in San Francisco.