SANTA CLARA – Although Nick Bosa is making a rare appearance at the 49ers’ organized team activities, Brandon Aiyuk is among those bypassing the still voluntary part of the offseason program.
The offseason program remains voluntary so Aiyuk is not facing any fine for being away, at least not until the mandatory minicamp June 4-6 and then training camp in late July.
Others who missed the workout include running back Christian McCaffrey, left tackle Trent Williams, cornerback Charvarius Ward, new defensive tackle Maliek Collins, defensive end Drake Jackson and wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who hasn’t signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent.
Tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner were spectators. Center Jake Brendel and safety Talanoa Hufanga worked on a side field as they rehab injuries.
Last year, Aiyuk vowed in OTAs that “I’m about to take off.” He posted career-high numbers, became Brock Purdy’s most trusted receiver and set himself up for a top-of-the-market contract extension. That pay raise hasn’t come yet. It might not for another two months if the 49ers follow their pattern of rewarding a homegrown talent as training camp begins.
Aiyuk has led the 49ers each of the past two seasons, surpassing 1,000 yards. Starting with two touchdowns and 129 yards in last year’s opener at Pittsburgh, Aiyuk made 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
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His average of 17.9 yards per catch ranked second in the NFL (he was seventh in total yards and tied for 31st in catches). In the playoffs, he had three catches in each of the 49ers’ playoff games, and his lone touchdown came as he helped spark their NFC Championship Game comeback over the Lions.
After an OTA practice last spring, he predicted his banner season: “Nothing is guaranteed but just getting a better understanding for my life as a person, and as a football player, and putting those two together, and then looking to get better. I feel like having another offseason being on top, being able to get out here another spring, working on my craft, I see it.”
