The San Francisco 49ers remain confident that the Trent Williams contract situation will be resolved amicably, even as it continues to linger.
While coaching over the weekend in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, Kyle Shanahan was asked by about Williams' contract negotiation.
"No updates from me," Shanahan said. "I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know (general manager) John (Lynch) and everyone is working hard to do that. I believe we will get that done. We love Trent too much and eventually that will work out."
The All-Pro left tackle is set to earn $32 million in base salary after the Niners declined his $10 million option bonus, putting Williams' salary cap figure at $46.341 million in the final year of his contract.
Shanahan's comments echo those of Lynch during the NFL Scouting Combine, as the club projects confidence it can find common ground with the star left tackle. However, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported during the opening days of free agency that the Niners are open to trading Williams if a deal can't be consummated.
Entering his age-38 season, Williams has indicated he plans to continue his career. It's widely known that he'd like a new contract that includes guarantees beyond 2026. It's a tricky negotiation for a club, given the left tackle's age and the fact that injuries become more prevalent at that age. How far into the future are the Niners willing to guarantee for a player who could retire at any moment?
At this point, even at his age, Williams owns leverage. Given his talent level, even entering the twilight of his career, there are plenty of teams that would pay handsomely on the open market to secure the left tackle spot, if only for a year or two. Then there is the fact that the Niners don't have an obvious replacement -- certainly not one as good as the 12-time Pro Bowler.
Shanahan's confidence is understandable given the 49ers' standing in the league, their cap situation and Williams' familiarity with the club. However, Williams' history -- sitting out the entire 2019 season in Washington -- suggests his resolve does not wilt. And so, we wait.
