The San Francisco 49ers' front office has its work cut out for it. Not only is Brandon Aiyuk refusing to practice at camp, but three-time first-team All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams is holding out as he seeks a new deal.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said contract talks have been ongoing, via CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.
“49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says All Pro left tackle Trent Williams did not report for camp as he's seeking an adjustment to his contract,” Jones tweeted. “Says discussions have “been going on for a while.”
Williams is owed a $20.5 million base salary this season, as well as $750,000 in per-game roster bonuses. However, there's no guaranteed money left on his current contract.
Shanahan wasn't surprised about the holdout, via Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith.
“It was something I knew could be a possibility,” he said. “I was hoping he would be here, but I knew it could be a possibility. I feel pretty confident it will all work out in the long run and he’ll be here and we’ll get on the same page with everything, but it’s just one day of practice and I think Trent will be alright missing a few practices.”
Shanahan didn't explain what Williams' contractual desires are.
“A lot of things play into it but I’m not going to get into the personal parts of the contract,” Shanahan said.
Williams has been on a tear since arriving in San Francisco in 2020, as all three of his All-Pro selections have come in the last three years.
Will both sides come to a consensus?
The 49ers need Trent Williams to reach the promised land
Williams is currently on the fourth year of the six-year, $138.06 million extension he signed with San Francisco in 2021, which made him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman at the time. However, only $55.1 million of it was guaranteed. The 11-time Pro Bowler's average annual salary of $23.01 million now ranks fourth behind the Detroit Lions' Penei Sewell, the Houston Texans' Laremy Tunsil, and the New York Giants' Andrew Thomas.
Williams has leverage, as the 49ers would have to eat nearly $30 million in dead cap if they released him this year, as well as $19.14 million next season. Additionally, the 36-year-old is still one of the best linemen in the league, which makes him a crucial asset as the team tries to take advantage of its Super Bowl window.
Williams will most likely work out a new deal with San Francisco eventually but don't be surprised if his holdout drags into the preseason.
Follow Us
Subscribe
