Kittle hopes 49ers give Aiyuk ‘the money he deserves’

Kittle hopes 49ers give Aiyuk ‘the money he deserves’ originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area

In recent weeks, the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk have been involved in a public contract dispute as their leading receiver seeks massive extension entering the final year of his debut contract.

On Monday — just hours before San Francisco’s veterans reported to training camp — teammate George Kittle shared why the organization needs to give Aiyuk the money he wants.

“Aiyuk is a phenomenal football player,” Kittle said on NFL Network’s “The Insiders.” (h/t NFL.com). “He does everything you want him to do as a wide receiver, including catching touchdowns from me every now and then, which I’m totally fine with. But he’s a very dynamic receiver and is a very important part of our offense. So yeah, getting Brandon Aiyuk the money he deserves — I don’t expect anything better for him.”

Of course, Kittle isn’t the one making that decision regarding Aiyuk — that’s up to general manager John Lynch — but that doesn’t stop the 49ers tight end from voicing his support.

“Unfortunately, there’s not much I can do to help with this other than just cheer him on from the sidelines and hopefully we can figure something out because he’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had,” Kittle said.

As perhaps the most complete tight end in the NFL, Kittle knows a thing or two about being a do-it-all catcher and pass blocker. Kittle recognized Aiyuk’s versatile strengths in making him a blank check caliber player.

“When there’s a receiver who can run all the routes, catch all the tough balls, be open at the right time, but also grind in the run game, block everyone you want – you see all of his highlights in the run game,” explained Kittle. “When you have a guy that does all that kind of stuff and just sets the pace and the tone – those guys are really important to your offense.”

That usefulness to the 49ers is why Kittle is willing to sacrifice a few touchdowns each season. It’s also what makes Aiyuk’s situation — especially after reportedly requesting a trade last week — so important to San Francisco’s high-powered offense.

Regardless of how the saga ends, Kittle made it clear what he would do in Lynch’s place as GM.

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