NFL Rumors: Trent Williams, 49ers Haven't Made 'Significant Movement' on New Contract

As the San Francisco 49ers try to find a resolution to their ongoing saga with Brandon Aiyuk, they are also dealing with star left tackle Trent Williams' contract holdout.

On the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast (starts at 12:57 mark), The Athletic's Dianna Russini explained that Williams and the 49ers haven't made "significant movement" in contract talks thus far.

Williams and Aiyuk have taken two very different approaches to their respective contract issues with the 49ers.

Aiyuk has been present at training camp, but isn't practicing as part of his hold-in to avoid any fines. Trade talks for the 2023 All-Pro wide receiver have picked up over the past week, with the Pittsburgh Steelers the most-frequently mentioned potential landing spot if a deal happens.

Williams still has three years remaining on the six-year, $138 million contract he signed with the 49ers in March 2021, but the deal has no guaranteed money remaining. The 11-time Pro Bowler hasn't been present with the club since training camp opened.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters at the start of camp that Williams' absence wasn't a surprise and the team had talks with his representatives in the spring knowing he may not be satisfied with his deal.

The 49ers had a similar contract situation with Christian McCaffrey because his contract didn't have any guaranteed money left. They didn't let his situation drag on by giving him a two-year, $38 million extension in June, bringing the total value of his contract to $62.2 million over four years.

Williams' situation is different both because of his age and the market for left tackles. He turned 36 on July 19 and was one of only two offensive linemen aged 35 or older to appear in at least 15 games last season.

When Williams originally signed his contract, it made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. His average annual salary of $23 million now ranks sixth among all offensive linemen.

There hasn't been significant concern from the 49ers about Williams' status, but his absence is beginning to standout as we get closer to the regular season.

Williams is arguably the best non-quarterback in the league. He has been named to the All-Pro first team in each of the past three seasons.

The rest of the offensive line isn't a strength in San Francisco, giving Williams even more leverage as he waits for a new deal. The reigning NFC champs have less than four weeks to find a resolution before opening the regular season against the New York Jets on Sept. 9.