Witness their reactions to the 49ers’ 2026 schedule, which will begin in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10 against the Rams, will include a trek to Mexico City in December and will feature more than 38,000 travel miles, an NFL record.
On Monday, a day after Lynch discussed making the “best” of the challenge, Shanahan did everything but roll his eyes when asked an open-ending question about playing Down Under in Week 1.
“Oh, (I’m) so fired up,” Shanahan said at the NFL owners’ meetings. “That was our goal — to go 19 hours away to play a game. So we’re going back in time or into the future? I think we gain a day or lose a day? Not sure which one yet, but it is what it is. We’ll deal with it.”
The 49ers will become the first team to play international games in different countries in non-consecutive weeks.
“I think there’s eight international games” this season, Shanahan said. “We got two of them. So we’re fired up about that.”
Any positives about playing the first NFL game in Australia, Kyle?
“No, not at all. I don’t see any pro,” Shanahan said.
“Yeah, it’s cool for the league to play globally,” he added. “I think it’s awesome. But as far as the team doing it? There’s not much benefit to it. Sometimes it’s nice to get a bye week after, but that doesn’t happen in Week 1.”
On Sunday, Lynch noted the 49ers planned to arrive in Australia just less than a week before the game, perhaps a few days before the Rams, to acclimate before kickoff. Lynch, who is on the NFL’s competition committee, had previously suggested the league will give the 49ers extra rest after their two international games.
“There’s a price to being a high-profile team with a lot of stars,” Lynch said. “The league wants us on in prime time. They want to put us in situations. So what I’ve learned — you have to advocate. I certainly do for our guys. But at some point, these are the cards you’re dealt. Let’s make it the best we possibly can. And so we work constantly to come up with the best ideas to navigate that.”
Aiyuk staying put: After the 49ers placed All-Pro wide receiver Bradnon Aiyuk on the “left the team” list in December, they have no imminent plans to let him leave the team. Shanahan made it clear they hope to trade Aiyuk rather than release him and receive no trade compensation.
“Don’t have a date,” Shanahan said. “Eventually will resolve itself. Hopefully, we can get something for it. We’re in no rush. We have to do what’s right for the 49ers.”
The situation is odd because the 49ers have acknowledged Aiyuk won’t play for them again after a 2025 season in which he skipped team activities and rehab appointments before he stopped appearing at the team facility.
Aiyuk’s disappearing act, coupled with the severe knee injury he suffered in October 2024, reduced his trade value. He signed a four-year, $120 million contract before the 2024 season. Aiyuk would have to agree to rework his deal to facilitate a trade because he’s due to make base salaries of $27.2 million in 2027 and $29.15 million in 2028.
The 49ers can afford to be patient to see whether a trade partner emerges. They would realize little salary cap savings by releasing Aiyuk and he’s not due to receive more money until a $24.9 million option bonus is due on Sept. 1.