By Ben Standig, Matt Barrows and David Lombardi

NFL agents gave mixed answers when asked about one of the biggest preseason topics affecting the San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, the team’s star wide receiver, is on hold while he seeks a contract extension. He made his desire for that deal public this summer, and agents participating in The AthleticsThe sixth annual survey of NFL agents was divided on whether they supported Aiyuk’s position and how he handled his contract negotiations.

The 31 agents who participated in this year’s study were granted anonymity to protect themselves and their clients, but were still able to provide candid assessments of Aiyuk’s situation and other issues within the league.

When asked what advice he would give to clients facing a similar case, one agent said Aiyuk “handled it terribly” but acknowledged that “sometimes you have to go public with your grievances.”

“Stupid, yes, but removing the team name or logo from social media accounts can cause quite the stir,” the agent continued.

Another agent said: “I’m in favour of keeping negotiations quiet, but it’s not always easy. I think (public displays) do a player more harm than good.”

The Pulse Newsletter

Free daily sports updates straight to your inbox.

Free daily sports updates straight to your inbox.

To register

Other officers aligned themselves more closely with Aiyuk, with one saying: “If you have influence, do what you want to do. You are your own person. You may hurt the case, but I don’t think (Aiyuk) is better off financially for what he’s done.”

Another agent said how the situation develops for Aiyuk and offensive tackle Trent Williams — who is sitting out while he seeks a modified contract — will be telling.

“In this case, Aiyuk is loud and Trent Williams is calm about it,” the agent said. “Whatever San Francisco rewards is likely the strategy good agents will use moving forward.”

GALLING DEEPER

Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams’ situations mark a more difficult negotiating era for the 49ers

The latest development in the saga is that the 26-year-old Aiyuk was absent from the 49ers’ practice on Wednesday after coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch made it clear the team wanted the receiver on the field.

“At some point you have to play,” Lynch said.

The organization has appeared tolerant of Aiyuk’s postponement thus far, but with the roster cut on Tuesday and the upcoming season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 9, the 49ers have high expectations for Aiyuk’s participation.

In an ideal scenario, the 49ers would likely want to reach an agreement with Aiyuk on a contract that is one level below the massive deals that receivers Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb reached with the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, respectively, and that fits within San Francisco’s salary cap. However, Lynch has stated that the 49ers are willing to let Aiyuk play his fifth-year, $14.1 million option if the sides can’t reach a deal.

How to look at Aiyuk’s situation

Yes, Aiyuk’s public antics have been annoying for everyone involved (including the fans of at least five teams). But when you look at it from his perspective, you have to admit that it’s been effective. After all, he’s under contract for another season, and yet he’s gotten teams to bid on him as if he were a free agent. He may not be going to the highest bidder, but his constant whining has likely driven up his asking price. — Matt Barrows, 49ers Senior Writer

The endgame is crucial for Aiyuk, because it will determine whether all this agitation has worked for him. If the ordeal has driven up the 49ers’ offer, will Aiyuk sign it to seal the deal? It seems like both sides are in precarious territory as the season approaches. If Aiyuk’s hold-in continues or turns into a full-blown holdout and he starts missing games, the fines and lost salary will be huge — and his value on the free-agent market could plummet. So the stakes are high from here on out. — David Lombardi, 49ers staff writer

Required reading

(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)