Kittle wishes the 49ers will pay Aiyuk ‘what he deserves.

In recent weeks, the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk have been publicly disputing his contract, as the star receiver seeks a significant extension going into the final year of his rookie deal.

On Monday, just hours before San Francisco’s veterans were set to report to training camp, teammate George Kittle explained why the organization needs to give Aiyuk the money he wants.

“Aiyuk’s just a phenomenal football player,” Kittle said on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” (h/t NFL.com). “He does everything you want him to do as a wide receiver, including taking touchdowns from me once in a while, which I’m totally OK with. But he’s such a dynamic receiver and a very important part of our offense. So, yes, getting Brandon Aiyuk the money he deserves — I hope nothing but the best for him.”

Kittle isn’t the one making decisions about Aiyuk’s contract — that’s up to general manager John Lynch — but that hasn’t stopped the 49ers tight end from expressing his support.

“Unfortunately, there’s not much I can do to help with that, except cheer him on from the sidelines and hope we figure something out because he’s one of my favorite teammates,” Kittle said.

As one of the NFL’s most well-rounded tight ends, Kittle knows a lot about being a versatile pass catcher and blocker. He highlighted Aiyuk’s versatile strengths, making him a blank-check caliber player.

“When there’s a receiver who can run every route, catch all the tough passes, be open at the right time, and also grind in the run game, blocking everyone you want him to — you see all his highlights in the run game,” Kittle explained. “When you have a guy that does all that and sets the tempo and tone — those guys are really important to your offense.”

This utility for the 49ers is why Kittle is willing to sacrifice a few touchdowns each season. It’s also what makes Aiyuk’s situation, especially after reportedly requesting a trade last week, so important for the high-powered San Francisco offense.

Regardless of how this saga ends, Kittle has made it clear what he would do if he were in Lynch’s shoes as GM.