Contract holdouts and hold-ins cast a shadow over NFL contenders
Contract disputes are playing a prominent role across the NFL this summer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Whether it's star players holding out of training camp or holding in by reporting and not practicing, contract disputes are playing a prominent role across the NFL this summer.
Some of the top contenders to compete for the Super Bowl are headed into the first full weekend of exhibition games with some of their most important players unwilling to take the practice field before they get new contracts.
The issue is most prevalent in San Francisco, where the defending NFC champion 49ers are preparing for the season with second-team All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk refusing to practice unless he gets a new contract or is traded and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams back at home in Texas waiting for a new deal.
The frustration level is growing for the 49ers, who have given Aiyuk's representatives permission to seek out a possible trade with no resolution so far more than two weeks into camp.
