49ers’ Lynch, Shanahan confident Trent Williams deal will come to fruition

Aug 29, 2024, 6:00 AM | Updated: 8:42 am

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers blocks during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 22-16. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers have been in contract battles with two big stars this preseason. But with the clock getting closer to midnight, the organization feels optimistic that Trent Williams will be with the team soon.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch spoke briefly on the matter Wednesday. While both men didn’t shed much light on contract talks with Williams, the signs continue to point to a reworked deal being reached in the near future.

But as of right now, nothing has changed for both player and franchise.

“No, there’s no updates there,” Lynch said about Trent Williams. “There’s good communication. We’re constantly working, throwing out ideas to try to have a breakthrough and it just hasn’t happened yet.”

What makes Trent Williams’ situation more unique is the timing.

The future first ballot hall-of-famer has three years remaining on his current contract, amassing close to $80 million in total. The problem: There’s no guaranteed money remaining. And at age 36, the hourglass of his playing career is slowly ticking away.

So while the 49ers would prefer for him to play on his current deal, they understand the predicament from their star left tackle’s point of view.

“The Trent situation, things come up. And this has come up. Trent is a fantastic player. He’s a tremendous leader on this team. I will never fall short on my praise of Trent and what he’s meant to this place,” Lynch stated. “It was a great day, when I got that call from [former NFL coach Ron Rivera] saying that they would do that trade. He’s been incredible since he’s been here. We value Trent, we love Trent, we want Trent here. And I’m hopeful that can happen soon.”

Both statements by Lynch are factual: Trent Williams is an invaluable member of the 49ers, both in and off the field.

The Texas native has remained the steady driving force of the Red & Gold’s offensive line since he was traded to the team in 2020. Williams has only allowed one sack in his last 983 pass-blocking snaps. He’s also a tank in the run game, still moving like a star player in his prime in his mid-30s.

But it’s more than just performance. Trent Williams is one of the team captains, regularly seen alongside wide receiver Deebo Samuel during their infamous boombox entrance out of the tunnel on gamedays. He’s also the enforcer, stepping up to anyone and everyone that crosses one of his teammates on the field.

Because of his acclaimed status, Williams gets away with a lot more than the average player. I mean, he’s the only 49er with two lockers.

Which is why both Shanahan and Lynch aren’t worried that Williams will bring it when it’s time, even if it takes a few weeks to get into game shape.

“That all depends on when we see him, how he looks, how he feels. I haven’t talked to him for a number of days. But Trent will give every day, we’ll let it be as close as possible,” Shanahan said. “Very similar to how we were with [Nick] Bosa. There wasn’t a day that we would put on the calendar that would be our last day. You hope it’s every day that’s already passed. So each day makes it harder and harder. But you don’t really make that decision until you see someone and talk to them.”

So what’s the holdup on getting the deal done? To be blunt: Money, and a whole lot of it.

Trent Williams is looking to re-establish his contract at the top of the left-tackle market. When he inked a six-year deal with the 49ers in 2021, he became the highest-paid at his position. Fast forward to 2024; He’s sixth.

It may seem negligible (especially right now), but all of this links together. By getting his finances secure, Williams can focus solely on football when he’s on the field, instead of worrying about getting hurt and his future being uncertain.

It’s very easy to look at the situation from a million miles above the clouds. But put yourself in his shoes: After 14 years of dominating the NFL, becoming one of the best at your position all-time, wouldn’t you want to remain the highest-paid guy? Setting new precedents for what’s possible for offensive linemen?

Everybody has a price they aren’t willing to meet, that includes Trent Williams. But considering what he’s meant to the organization in the past, it’d be no surprise to see him rewarded for the present and future.

Which is why the 49ers feel quite confident that their star player will be on the field Week 1 against the New York Jets.

“I’m optimistic that things will work out with Trent. I’m not sitting here knowing what day it’ll be. We’re getting close to playing a game, so my mind is completely on preparing for a game without those guys [Williams and Brandon Aiyuk]. But yeah, I feel when two sides want to get a deal done, usually it happens,” Shanahan said.