49ers HC Shanahan Addresses Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams amid Trade, Contract Rumors

As the clock keeps ticking toward the start of the regular season, the San Francisco 49ers are still working to find a resolution with both Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams.

Appearing on KNBR's Colbert and Topes show on Thursday (h/t David Bonilla of 49ersWebZone.com), 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan explained "nothing has changed" with Aiyuk at this point.

"I feel like we've been in the same situation for a while, so there's still plenty of options, plenty of directions that can happen, and we're still trying to get to the bottom of it and figure it out, but nothing has changed in that way," Shanahan said.

There was a little more optimism when Shanahan talked about Williams' status amid his contract holdout, but no indication that a resolution is imminent.

"We're having a lot of discussions with his agent," he said. "Trent's not here right now, obviously not at camp. I believe he's in Houston, but I'm not sure. But we're talking with his agent a lot, and hopefully, we can figure it out. As I've said the whole time, I am optimistic we will, but, of course, the sooner, the better."

Aiyuk's situation has been the primary focus of attention around the 49ers throughout the offseason.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that San Francisco has agreed to the parameters of a trade that would send Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the reigning NFC champs are still trying to work out a long-term extension with the All-Pro wideout.

On Monday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported the Steelers' contract offer to Aiyuk was around $28 million per season.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the 49ers haven't gone through with a trade at this point because the two sides "aren't that far apart" on an extension.

There has been much less drama around Williams' situation, in part because there's no indication the 49ers are looking to trade him. The three-time All-Pro has been holding out since the start of training camp while seeking an adjustment to his contract.

Williams is signed through 2026 but there is no guaranteed money remaining on the deal. Christian McCaffrey was in a similar situation earlier this offseason before signing a two-year, $38 million extension in June.

Both Williams and Aiyuk are essential pieces of the 49ers offense. Aiyuk, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past two years. He led the team with 1,342 yards in 2023.

Williams is widely regarded as the best offensive tackle in the NFL. The 36-year-old has made the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons with the 49ers. He has been an All-Pro first-team selection in each of the past three seasons.

The 49ers will open the regular season on Sept. 9 against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium.