San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not report for the start of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Aiyuk’s absence but downplayed its significance.

Aiyuk, currently seeking a new contract as he heads into a contract year, could face fines of approximately $100,000 for each day of mandatory minicamp he misses. Despite this, Shanahan reassured reporters that Aiyuk’s status with the team remains unchanged.

“You find when guys are in those situations whether they come or not,” Shanahan stated, via 95.7 The Game. “Some guys come because they want to avoid a fine, and some don’t. But regardless, it doesn’t change anything. … We know what the process is. We know what the business part is, and that’s just how they decide how they want to handle this thing.”

Aiyuk had already missed the voluntary portion of the 49ers’ offseason practice program. He is currently set to earn $14.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract.

Shanahan is no stranger to dealing with star players negotiating new contracts. Last year, Deebo Samuel reported to mandatory minicamp and later signed an extension in the summer. Conversely, Nick Bosa held out last summer until securing a $170 million deal just days before the 2023 season commenced.

The Niners have already extended McCaffrey

In contrast to Aiyuk’s situation, the 49ers made a significant move on Tuesday by extending running back Christian McCaffrey’s contract. The two-year, $38 million extension will keep McCaffrey with the team through 2027.

Aiyuk’s desire for a new deal is understandable, given his consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. General Manager John Lynch has expressed the team’s commitment to retaining Aiyuk.

“Our wish is that he’s here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career,” Lynch said in April. “We’re working through that.”

As the minicamp continues, the 49ers will have to navigate the complexities of player negotiations, hoping to keep their key contributors satisfied and on the field.