Agent's Take: Why 49ers can't afford not addressing All-Pro Trent Williams' contract demands

The 49ers would pay a different price without Williams manning their O-line

By Joel Corry Aug 7, 2024 at 3:28 pm ET• 9 min read

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's discontent with his contract situation was well-known. Aiyuk expressed his displeasure at various points during the offseason on different social media platforms. He skipped offseason workouts and subjected himself to a $101,716 fine for missing the three-day mandatory minicamp held June 4-6. Aiyuk has been "holding in" since reporting to the opening of training camp on July 23 in an effort to get a new contract from the 49ers or a trade to a team he deems acceptable. 

Left tackle Trent Williams' contract unhappiness was obscured by Aiyuk's since he attended San Francisco's mandatory minicamp. Unlike Aiyuk, Williams didn't report to 49ers training camp.

Williams' source of unhappiness

Williams signed a six-year, $138.06 million contract, averaging $23.01 million per year, with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent in March 2021. The deal made Williams the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman just ahead of then-Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari's $23 million per year. 

At the beginning of this offseason, Williams was the league's third-highest-paid offensive lineman. He's dropped down to sixth because of deals signed by Christian Darrisaw, Penei Sewell and Tristan Wirfs.