Aiyuk tried to be patient and let things work themselves out. However, as the offseason progressed with seemingly no progress, Aiyuk grew more disgruntled. He reported to training camp to avoid adding to the approximately $100,000 in fines he accrued by missing last month's mandatory minicamp, but he hasn't been practicing.
Samuel spoke to reporters on Friday and was asked what kind of support he's offered his teammate and friend, Aiyuk.
"Me personally, I know what it feels like to go through what he's going through right now, and the only thing I can do is just tell him to keep his head up," Samuel said. "Things are gonna work out. Just day by day. It's a long process. Like, real long. It's frustrating.
"All I can do is just tell him to keep his head up, be where his feet are, just continue to do the things that he do as far as communication on his end and they end, and hopefully, things just play out."
Things eventually worked out between Samuel and the 49ers, and there's no reason to believe it won't for Aiyuk. Last year, defensive end Nick Bosa didn't end his holdout until just days before the start of the regular season, and he still became the league's highest-paid non-quarterback at the time.
Aiyuk has led the 49ers in receiving yards over the last two seasons, finishing last season with 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
George Kittle reveals message to teammates amid 49ers' struggles
Tight end George Kittle is widely regarded as one of the most optimistic voices in the San Francisco 49ers locker room. That positive mindset remains steadfast, even as the team faces playoff elimination with five games left in the season. The 49ers still have a shot at... -
49ers GM John Lynch addresses Deebo Samuel's struggles amid social media denial
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has struggled to replicate the statistical success of his breakout 2021 season. Samuel racked up 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns that year, earning a massive contract extension. His career-high 1,405 receiving yards... -
Kyle Shanahan sends a clear message about 49ers future amid trade chatter
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters following Sunday's dominant 38-13 victory over the Chicago Bears. Recent speculation surrounding Shanahan's future with the team was among the topics discussed. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk had stirred the... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals how the 49ers can beat the Bears on Sunday
The San Francisco 49ers have lost three games in a row. And they've been sloppy doing so, losing the last two by 28 and 25 points. The team that played in the Super Bowl earlier this year looks nothing like the team that is playing right now. Sure, they are missing several...