NFL Futures: 49ers Resolve Williams Contract Dispute

Share News

NFL Futures and News:

49ers Resolve Contract Dispute with Trent Williams Ahead of Season Opener

Restructured Deal Ends Holdout

The San Francisco 49ers and Trent Williams have finalized a restructured three-year, $82.66 million contract, which includes $48 million guaranteed at signing and a $25.69 million signing bonus, as reported by his agency. This agreement resolves their long-standing contract standoff and positions the star left tackle to participate in following Monday’s season opener against the New York Jets.

Impact of Williams’ Absence on the 49ers

Williams, 36, skipped San Francisco’s training camp and accumulated over $4 million in fines for missing every practice session and three preseason games. During his absence, Williams stayed at his home in Houston, focusing on his preparation for the season. Before the new deal, he was due $20.05 million this season under a six-year, $138.1 million contract signed in 2021.

Last week, the 49ers left Williams off their 53-man roster, listing him on the reserve/did not report list. On Tuesday, San Francisco freed up over $5.4 million in salary cap space, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, by restructuring the contract of defensive lineman Maliek Collins.

Not the First Time

This marks the second time this offseason that the 49ers have restructured a contract for a key player. They adjusted Christian McCaffrey’s contract earlier in June, offering substantial guarantees for the running back and boosting his average annual salary.

The intensified negotiations between Williams and the 49ers occurred shortly after the defending NFC champions resolved a similar contract dispute with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract with $76 million guaranteed.

Despite the holdout, the 49ers seemed unconcerned about Williams’ absence. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence last month, stating, “I think we’ll be able to work that out.”

Before agreeing to this restructured deal, Williams, widely regarded as the NFL’s top offensive lineman, had an average annual salary that ranked sixth among tackles, trailing behind recent big-money contracts signed by Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs, Detroit’s Penei Sewell, and Minnesota’s Christian Darrisaw. Houston’s Laremy Tunsil and the Giants’ Andrew Thomas also surpassed Williams’s average annual earnings.

Williams’ previous contract included no remaining guaranteed money, though the 49ers are still liable for nearly $30 million in signing bonus proration through 2027 due to prior restructures.

Trent’s History and Numbers

In 2023, Williams was ranked as the NFL’s best pass-blocking tackle, with a 95.8% pass-block win rate. The 49ers averaged 6.05 yards per carry when running to the left side behind Williams last season, compared to 4.45 yards per attempt on all other runs.

Last season, Williams missed two games, played through injuries in another, and participated in just 12 snaps during a meaningless Week 18 game against the Rams. The 49ers lost all four games but went 12-1 in the others.

Given the 49ers’ current offensive line struggles, Williams’ return couldn’t be more timely. Their top three guards—Aaron Banks (broken pinkie), Spencer Burford (broken hand), and Jon Feliciano (knee surgery)—have missed significant practice time, with Feliciano expected to miss regular-season games. With Williams’ return, the NFL futures for the 49ers could significantly improve.

Fourth-year veteran Jaylon Moore filled in at left tackle during the preseason, but Williams is anticipated to quickly reclaim his starting role upon returning to the team.