Holdout OT Trent Williams reports, new contract expected
All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams reported to the San Francisco 49ers and is expected to sign an adjusted contract, ending a protracted holdout in time to take the field Monday night against the New York Jets for the start of the regular season.
Williams’ agency, Elite Loyalty Sports, shared the news of his arrival in Santa Clara, Calif., at the 49ers’ headquarters to “sign a new contract” on Tuesday morning. Financial details were not immediately available.
An end to the standoff comes days after the team reached a four-year, $120 million contract agreement with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk reported to training camp to avoid accruing daily fines permitted under terms of the CBA, but staged a “hold in,” refusing to participate in practices and on-field work to avoid the risk of injury.
A first-team All-Pro each of the past three seasons, Williams made it clear to the 49ers he wasn’t suiting up for San Francisco without an adjustment to his existing contract. He was entering the fourth season of a six-year, $138.06 million deal and due $74.76 million the next three seasons. But none of the salary in the second half of his contract was guaranteed, prompting the 36-year-old Williams to stay home at the start of training camp.
Williams plays a vital role at left tackle, protecting the blindside of quarterback Brock Purdy and using his power to blast open running lanes for running back Christian McCaffrey.
Before reporting Tuesday, Williams was due to carry a cap figure of $31.6 million for 2024.
He was placed on the Did Not Report list by the 49ers on July 25. The 49ers will need to make a corresponding roster move to add Williams back to the roster move before Monday’s game.
Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, is entering his fifth season with San Francisco, which gave up third- and fifth-round picks to acquire him from Washington.
A seven-time Pro Bowl selection in nine campaigns with Washington, Williams sat out the entire 2019 season as part of a dispute with Washington over the handling of his health and injury issues, including a rare form of cancer, and his contract.
–Field Level Media