Purdy, who hosted a youth football camp over the weekend, spoke with Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group about Aiyuk's situation and emphasized his commitment to standing by him throughout the process.

"We've talked," Purdy told Inman. "I just told him I'll always have his back and support him in whatever he does. I want the best for him. It's a business thing, so for me to say anything about that, that's out of my pay grade. He and I talk through things and I hear him out. At the end of the day, what he's done for me, giving me an opportunity to come in and throw him the ball, I'll always be thankful for that."

Aiyuk is coming off a stellar season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive year and recording a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. As negotiations unfold, the 49ers have made it clear that retaining Aiyuk is a top priority this offseason.

Purdy, who recently got married and enjoyed his honeymoon, is eager to return to work and bond with his teammates. He believes that the offseason is crucial for individual growth and has stayed in touch with his teammates through occasional texts. This offseason marks a significant opportunity for Purdy, who has not had extensive practice reps in the previous two offseason programs. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his excitement for Purdy's return, acknowledging the quarterback's improved health and the chance to work together to build upon last season's successful campaign.

While Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram has raised some eyebrows, similar actions have been observed in other contract negotiation circumstances, such as with Deebo Samuel in 2022. It is important to note that tensions surrounding Samuel eventually escalated to a trade request, which is not the case with Aiyuk at this stage.

The 49ers' financial planning highlights the challenge of committing significant resources to both Aiyuk and Samuel, considering Samuel's recent extension. Moreover, factor in the impending contract extension for Purdy, who is positioned to become one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. The team's ability to balance these investments while maintaining a competitive roster will be crucial.

As the 49ers' offseason program commences, Purdy is determined to take the necessary steps to improve upon his Pro Bowl season and strengthen his connection with his teammates. The quarterback's return and the opportunity to work alongside his colleagues on the field mark a significant milestone in his career, given the limited practice opportunities he has had in previous offseasons.

While contract negotiations may create some uncertainty, Purdy's support for Aiyuk demonstrates the close-knit relationship within the 49ers' locker room. As the offseason progresses, fans eagerly await updates on contract extensions and the continued success of the team.