Shanahan downplays Aiyuk’s viral hug as contract negotiations stall originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Actions speak louder than words, but that’s apparently not the case with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s viral hug with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The pair were seen engaging in a friendly hug on the pitch during Wednesday’s training camp session, sparking widespread speculation that the sides could be moving closer to a resolution after months of contract negotiations.
But Shanahan quickly threw water on any notion that the hug was anything more than the usual greeting he and his star receiver normally give when they see each other.
“That’s normally how we greet each other, honestly,” Shanahan told reporters after Friday’s practice. “You’d see maybe a lot more hugs here if we had a movie for you, but we’re not in ‘Hard Knocks.’
“We saw him on the field. He wasn’t on the field much. We passed each other and that’s usually how we greet each other. Bro, hug – nothing more, nothing less. Thank you.”
“This is usually how we greet each other. Hugs bro. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Shanahan downplays yesterday’s interaction with Brandon Aiyuk and says there are no updates on contract negotiations pic.twitter.com/U9Ltzcy6zP
– 49ers on NBCS (@ NBCS49ers) August 2, 2024
Aiyuk and the 49ers haven’t made much progress on a contract extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.“
Any optimism stemming from the warm embrace likely disappeared as quickly as it arrived, with Shanahan’s comments all but dismissing the encounter as anything significant.
While Aiyuk’s presence at San Francisco’s training camp workouts and attendance at team meetings are much more encouraging than the alternative of a complete absence, until the star officially signs a new contract, 49ers fans will remain on the edge of their seats, looking for any clue – even innocent hugs between player and coach.
