49ers add more OL depth as Trent Williams hold out continues

Aug 2, 2024, 10:51 AM

Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field for pregame warm-ups prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers are about a week away from their first preseason game of 2024; But it’s never a bad time to add another offensive lineman.

The San Francisco 49ers announced Friday that they have signed OL Pat Elflein to a one-year deal. In order to to make room, they have waived OL Braison Mays.

Elfiein, 30, is a six-year NFL center, drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He has played for the Vikings, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, starting in 42 games in his career. The Ohio State alum did not play in 2023 due to injury.

The addition of a veteran offensive lineman indicates that SF is looking for more options during training camp. So far, a plethora of big-name players have been banged up through the first two weeks, including starters Jake Brendel and Jon Feliciano. That’s led to SF bringing in more bodies, with reports Thursday indicating workouts for Elflein ands two other veteran OLs. While the newcomers aren’t expected to start in the regular season, the situation remains fluid for all looking to make the 53-man roster.

New 49ers OL Pat Elflein at his first practice with the team pic.twitter.com/xRumq69eme
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 2, 2024

Where do things stand with Trent Williams and the 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers have been without their star left tackle since the beginning of training camp, as the player seeks a revised contract with guaranteed money. As of now, those negotiations have not materialized into a new deal, with the player nowhere to be found until pen hits paper.

In the meantime, backup LT Jaylon Moore has filled in for Williams, having his ups and downs in the process. The fourth-year OL has won a variety of reps against most 49ers’ pass rushers. But when the starter have subbed in (Nick Bosa), Moore has struggled to keep the pocket clean. The 49ers got to see Moore in the starting lineup when Williams missed two games in 2023, performances that, respectfully, showed the importance of his elder to the 49ers’ offensive scheme.

All signs point to an agreement between Williams and the Red & Gold coming to fruition by the end of the preseason. But while the 36-year-old attempts to stay ready at home, the 49ers are anxious to get him back in Santa Clara as soon as possible.