While a bulk of the attention surrounds Brandon Aiyuk’s contract saga with the San Francisco 49ers, another star member of the offense has been absent from training camp due to a contract situation. All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams has been holding out from camp as he seeks a new deal with the 49ers.
On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed a small update on the situation with Williams. In an appearance on San Francisco’s KNBR with Tom Tolbert and Adam Copeland, Shanahan said he’s had some contact with Williams. He said there’s “nothing new to add, but hopefully it’s getting close.”
Via @KNBR on Twitter:
"I've had some contact with him, it's been good to talk to him. I know we're negotiating hard. Nothing new to add but hopefully it's getting close."
– Shanahan on Trent Williams
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 21, 2024
Williams still has three years remaining on his current deal with the 49ers and is set to make $20.05 million this season, $22.5 million in 2025, and $32.1 million in 2026. However, none of the money left on his current contract is guaranteed.
Williams is coming off three consecutive All-Pro seasons along with four straight Pro Bowl nods. Williams started 15 games last season, earning an 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
With only the preseason finale left and the start of the regular season looming, Williams’ status should be a top priority for the 49ers. The 36-year-old blocker is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and a key to what the 49ers do on offense in the pass-and-run game. Williams provides leadership and stability to a relatively unproven group up front that’s tasked with protecting Brock Purdy.
Without Williams, the 49ers’ tackle responsibilities fall on Jaylon Moore and Colton McKivitz on the outside of the offensive line. Moore and McKivitz will likely get reps with the rest of the starters that are available in the 49ers preseason finale on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 49ers will close out the preseason in Las Vegas on Friday with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.
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