49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Could Face Daily $46K Fine amid Contract Holdout, Trade Rumors

Julia StumbaughAugust 29, 2024

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could face a daily fine of up to $45,769 if he misses multiple daily team activities amid his hold-in for a new contract, Nick Wagoner reported for ESPN.

These fines would be assessed at “the discretion of the team,” and once applied could not be waived, per David Lombardi of The Athletic.

The 49ers held their first practice since final roster cuts on Wednesday. Aiyuk did not join, despite head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch saying he had been medically cleared to participate.

Aiyuk could be fined up to $6,403 for his first missed practice, an amount that is set to increase if he does not participate in additional team activities.

Tim Kawakami @timkawakamiUpdate, we forgot the annual increase:

Fine process goes $6,403 for the first fine for a missed practice, meeting or curfew, the second one is $11,206 and the third one is $16,009.

Maximum total fine for a day is $45,769 (that’s all of those fines accumulating). Then suspension https://t.co/C85pfCAyn5

Players can be fined up to $33,902 per day for missing preseason training camp, but that number climbs once the 53-man roster is set and the regular season begins under the current CBA.

During regular-season practice, players can be fined up to $16,009 for each individual missed activity, including team meals and transportation.

Prior to Wednesday’s practice Lynch said the 49ers would “deal with that” if Aiyuk was absent, but did not specify whether the team planned to levy any fines.

95.7 The Game @957thegameJohn Lynch on if Brandon Aiyuk will practice today:

“We’ll see. I know he’s here today and that’s the expectation.” pic.twitter.com/0lgy50NMkA

Aiyuk has yet to participate in training camp or practice with the 49ers this offseason as he holds in for an extension rather than playing on the $14.1 million fifth year of his rookie contract.

The wide receiver was the subject of rumored trade interest by teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns before the 49ers reportedly renewed negotiations at the beginning of August.

Aiyuk recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season and is likely to once more serve as a top target for Brock Purdy if the 49ers can solve the ongoing contract dispute prior to their Sept. 9 season opener.