For most of the offseason, the primary focus for the San Francisco 49ers has been the contract of star receiver Brandon Aiyuk. But when the team began its training camp on Wednesday, it was another player, left tackle Trent Williams, holding out.
At least in his public comments on the matter, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan did not seem overly concerned about the long-term ramifications of Williams being away from camp.
“It was something I knew could be a possibility and I was hoping that he would be here,” Shanahan said, per Nick Wagoner, ESPN. “But I knew it could be a possibility and I felt pretty confident it’ll all work out in the long run and he’ll be here, and we’ll get on the same page with everything. But it’s just one day of practice and I think Trent will be all right missing a few practices.”
The 49ers acquired Williams in a trade with the Washington Commanders (as they are now known) prior to the 2020 season. He’s been one of the NFL’s best players throughout his career, making 11 Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro honors four times. In each of the last three seasons, Williams has been First-Team All-Pro and has helped the 49ers reach three consecutive NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.
Wagoner detailed that the situation the 49ers face with Williams is similar to one they had earlier in the offseason with running back Christian McCaffrey.
“Williams is in a similar boat to where running back Christian McCaffrey was before he signed a reworked contract extension in early June,” Wagoner detailed. “Like McCaffrey, Williams has multiple years (three in his case) remaining on the six-year, $138.06 million deal he signed with the Niners in 2021. Also, like pre-extension McCaffrey, Williams’ deal includes no more guaranteed money, though the Niners are still on the hook for nearly $30 million in signing bonus proration through 2027 because of restructures they’ve done on the contract.”
Aiyuk, meanwhile, was present for the first day of training camp but did not practice, holding in instead of holding out.
[ESPN.com]
