The 49ers top offensive lineman is showing no signs of backing down in negotiations.
The San Francisco 49ers contract drama does not appear to be going away anytime. Despite Week 1 of the regular season less than two weeks away, the status of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams remains uncertain. While Aiyuk has garnered far more headlines this offseason, Williams’ situation has reached another level. According to a report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Williams is willing to miss regular season games if he does not receive a new contract from the Niners.
“I was told from somebody involved in the situation that he is not going to be available until he gets his contract adjusted,” Fowler said during a SportsCenter segment on Monday. “He’s got three years left on his deal. That could bleed into the regular season with us just being a few weeks away. This is a player who has made about $150 million in his career… He’s not overly stressed to have to be out there right now, and he’s the fourth-highest-paid left tackle despite being the best the last few years. The 49ers know they have to do something here. They could sweeten the guarantees on his contract, but they’re dealing with Brandon Aiyuk at the same time.”
Williams is slated to make $20.8 million in 2024, $23.25 million in 2025, and $32.96 million in 2026 under his current contract. However, none of those salaries are guaranteed. After restructuring running back Christian McCaffrey’s deal earlier this summer in a similar situation, Williams has reason to believe he can push the 49ers to make some concessions. Moreover, Williams has shown a unique willingness to give up paychecks as a means of generating leverage. After all, the Commanders were only willing to trade him to the 49ers after Williams held out and refused to play for the organization.
With exactly two weeks until the 49ers first game of the season, there is still plenty of time for both sides to come to an agreement. However, Williams (and his team) want to make the stakes clear to the Niners in case they thought they would be able to wait him out.