Trent Williams remains on a six-year contract that runs through 2026, but the acclaimed left tackle is no longer satisfied with the terms of that deal. Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport) the veteran blocker is holding out.
This news follows Brandon Aiyuk‘s hold-in decision. The 49ers could waive Aiyuk’s fines — as they did for Nick Bosa last year — because he is on a rookie contract, but Williams must be fined daily for skipping camp. The 15th-year tackle has done well for himself since entering the league — on a CBA that was friendlier to first-round picks — in 2010, so accruing camp fines does not figure to derail Williams here.
Williams signed a six-year, $138.1MM deal to stay in San Francisco during the 2021 free agency period, maximizing his leverage by hitting the market. The contract has slid to fourth among tackles, and the Vikings’ Tuesday deal with Christian Darrisaw — when the details emerge — may drop the All-Pro 49ers tackle to fifth at his position. Williams provides tremendous value for the 49ers, having almost definitely secured a Hall of Fame route during his time in the Bay Area. He will attempt to exert more leverage to secure some better terms.
This is, however, a rather interesting holdout due to Williams’ age. He turned 36 last week and has been linked to retirement. The former Washington draftee said late last season he would play at least one more year, but he is not a candidate for a massive extension. Williams may be seeking a straight raise, as the 49ers giving him another extension that runs beyond 2026 may not be especially relevant here. The four-time All-Pro is due $20.1MM in base salary this season. While that money is not guaranteed, Williams is in no danger of being released or traded before Week 1. As a vested veteran, his salary will lock in just before the start of the season.
More to come.