Trent

Williams

Williams will be active for Week 1 and is reportedly set to see a normal allotment of snaps, which can’t be said for fellow contract hold-in Brandon Aiyuk. The fact that Williams will return to his normal workload is good news against the vaunted pass rush of the Jets under the big light on Monday Night Football.

Per Wagoner, left tackle Trent Williams should see something close to his usual workload. Kyle Shanahan told reporters he “didn’t know” how much Aiyuk will play. Shanny did say that Aiyuk normally plays the entire game but he would be surprised if the star receiver saw that much work in Week 1. Aiyuk spent most of the summer “holding in”, meaning he wasn’t practicing with the team until late in the offseason. Even with a reduction in snaps, most fantasy managers have to take the gamble and play San Francisco’s most efficient pass-catcher. Aiyuk ranks as a high-end WR2 for Week 1.

Entering his age-36 season, Williams held out all offseason, demanding more guaranteed money from the Niners. The two sides, reportedly far apart as of last week, came to terms just six days before the 49ers kick off the regular season against the Jets. The Niners, according to Pro Football Focus, were the sixth worst pass blocking team in 2023.

It was reported last week that the two sides were not close in contract talks. Williams, 36, has said he wants more guaranteed money this season while the team has held firm against Williams’ requests. Williams was seen boarding a plane to San Francisco from Houston on Monday night. Entering Week 1 without Williams would be a blow for Brock Purdy and the entire Niners offense.

Williams has said he won’t report to the team until his contract includes more guaranteed money. Williams, 36, has skipped the entire offseason program and is looking somewhat less likely to be ready for Week 1 against the Jets. Williams’ absence would be a blow to Brock Purdy and the San Francisco offense.

The 49ers are working their way through two of the league’s most notable holdouts, as Williams and Brandon Aiyuk are both awaiting new deals. Williams has skipped all of the 49ers’ offseason programs and will be fined a handsome amount for his absence. Williams has been named a First-Team All-Pro in each of his last three seasons and is currently under contract through the 2026 season. Williams, 36, is likely fine with the years left on his deal but is looking for more money to be added to the contract. We’ll see if a deal gets done now that he’s threatening to extend his holdout into the regular season.

Williams has been holding out for a new contract heading into this season. The 36-year-old has three years left on his deal, but has no guaranteed money left. As one of the top tackles in the league, Williams will be tough to replace if the 49ers cannot reach an agreement on a new contract for him. Shanahan said he has had “some contact” with Williams and that “hopefully it’s getting close.” The 49ers are also continuing to hash out a contract with WR Brandon Aiyuk, on which Shanahan said he has no new updates.

Williams, 36, is holding out for a new contract. The three-time All-Pro is entering the fourth year of a six-year deal he signed with the team in 2021, but that deal is fresh out of guaranteed money. Williams is one of two 49ers currently in the midst of a holdout while awaiting new contracts, putting the team in a difficult position to open camp. Still amongst the best in the game, Williams earned a PFF blocking grade of 89.9 last season and didn’t give up a sack on any of the 18 quarterback pressures he allowed. Williams is subject to a $50,000 fine for every day he does not report to camp.

Shanahan didn’t seem too worried about Williams’ absence. He told reporters discussions between Williams and the team have “been going on for a while.” Shanahan also noted that the veteran tackle will be alright missing a few practices. Williams’ contract situation isn’t as drastic as that of teammate Brandon Aiyuk, who is currently “holding in” while on the final year of his rookie deal. Williams is signed through 2026 but doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his contract. It may only take a restructure that adds more guarantees to the deal to get Williams back on the practice field.

Williams left the 49ers’ matchup with the Ravens on Christmas because of the groin issue and did not return. He tried to go back into the game after exiting before halftime but was held out by trainers. He told reporters after the game he was alright. Even a limited practice to start the week is a good sign for his availability in Week 17. Coming off a lopsided loss, a healthy 49ers team would be in a great spot to rebound versus a pitiful Washington defense.