The San Francisco 49ers might be looking to earn some brownie points with new left tackle Trent Williams.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Niners have restructured Williams' salary for the 2020 season, which will now pay him more upfront money rather than deferrals.
From NFL Now: New #49ers LT Trent Williams told me on RapSheet + Friends that he's agreed to a tweaked final year of his contract, pending physical. My understanding is it gives him some upfront money (a nice thing, since he earned zero last year). pic.twitter.com/fAf28yGm15
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2020
Williams did not make any money last year with the Washington Redskins after orchestrating a holdout and subsequently being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. But now he should see more money than originally anticipated this year thanks to savvy maneuvering from 49ers general manager John Lynch.
Williams is in the final year of his current contract. While the two sides agreed to table extension talks, this gesture — not to mention San Francisco's status as a Super Bowl contender — might be seen as one of good will, which could come in handy in negotiations after the season.
San Francisco pounced at the opportunity to land Williams, who had been granted permission from Washington to seek a trade this offseason.
Longtime 49ers left tackle Joe Staley announced his retirement, which essentially laid the groundwork for San Francisco's urgency in completing a deal. The Niners sent a 2020 fifth-round pick as well as a third-rounder in 2021 in order to land Williams.
While the 49ers eventually hope to reach a long-term deal with Williams, the immediate focus is getting back to the Super Bowl and lifting the Lombardi Trophy after coming up just short last season.
Williams should be galvanized by the opportunity to play for a winner in his comeback season. The Niners hope he can protect Jimmy Garoppolo's blind side while also helping anchor one of the best rushing attacks in football.
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