GM John Lynch offers update on 49ers unexpected contract issue
· Yahoo Sports
In the midst of scouting for the 2026 NFL draft and making preparations for free agency, the San Francisco 49ers might also be dealing with a contract dispute for one of their most important players.
Visit albergomalica.it for more information.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the 49ers and left tackle Trent Williams are "struggling to find a contractual solution," which sounds as if it could result in Williams parting ways with the team he's played for since 2020. The star offensive lineman is set to count for $39 million against the salary cap in 2026.
General manager John Lynch tried to quell concerns after the report went out Tuesday. Lynch acknowledged that he, Williams, and Williams' representative had "good, productive and substantive meetings" and that Williams "loves being a Niner." What that means more than those words remains to be seen, but Lynch also said there were "some unique circumstances" with Williams' situation, which he didn't elaborate on.
“Well, what I'll tell you is that in recent weeks I've met with both Trent and with his agent, Vincent Taylor, and had really good, productive and substantive meetings," Lynch said. "And so, here's what I know: Trent loves being a Niner, we love having Trent as a Niner and it's up to us to figure that out and to thread that needle.
"There are some unique circumstances in that we all know what Trent is as a player, how great of a player he's been. He's going to be 38 years old and so there's some things that go into that. But, I think we're all on the same page and feel very positive about where that's going.”
It's at least good to hear that Lynch is talking with the Williams about what's going on with the contract. Notably, this didn't seem to happen with the Brandon Aiyuk contract discussions and injury updates over the past two years.
Williams is arguably the most important non-skill position player on the 49ers roster. His age is a concern, but the 49ers have looked considerably worse on offense without Williams in the lineup. Before the 2024 season, ESPN's Ben Solak noted that the the Brock Purdy-49ers averaged 0.18 expected points added (EPA) per play with Williams, and a 0.00 EPA per play without him.
What comes next is up to Lynch and Williams, but the 49ers may want to look at finding Williams' replacement sooner rather than later, even if the star tackle returns to the team in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers GM John Lynch offers update on unexpected contract issue