source: Instagram/@trentwilliams71
All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams ended his holdout and returned to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. He agreed to a restructured three-year, $82.66 million contract, which includes $48 million guaranteed at signing. This move comes just in time for Williams to play in the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday night.
The 49ers rewarded their star with a $25.69 million signing bonus. Trent Williams will also earn $27.65 million this season. His new average annual salary of $27.55 million ranks him as the NFL’s third-highest-paid offensive lineman.
This agreement ends a tense standoff that began weeks ago. Trent Williams, a three-time first-team All-Pro, had made it clear he wouldn’t play without a contract adjustment. He was entering the fourth year of a six-year, $138.06 million deal but had no guaranteed salary for the remaining years, totaling $74.76 million. At 36 years old, Williams decided to stay home at the start of training camp, refusing to play under those terms.
“It was a challenging negotiation, but not really a dispute,” Trent Williams explained. “It just took time for both sides to see it as a win-win.”
Trent Williams’ deal came shortly after the team secured a four-year, $120 million contract with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Unlike Williams, Aiyuk reported to training camp to avoid daily fines but refused to participate in on-field activities, fearing injury risks.
Williams’ return gives the 49ers a major advantage. He plays a critical role in protecting quarterback Brock Purdy and opening running lanes for star running back Christian McCaffrey. His presence on the field is vital for San Francisco’s offensive line stability.
Before reporting on Tuesday, Williams had a looming cap hit of $31.6 million for 2024. Reflecting on the negotiation process, he commented, “For lack of a better word, it’s kind of war. Both sides lose a little blood, but we wave the white flag at the end. We’ve signed a peace treaty now. We’re good.”
Trent Williams was placed on the Did Not Report list by the 49ers on July 25. To bring him back to the active roster, the team must make a corresponding move before Monday’s game.
This is Williams’ fifth season with San Francisco since being traded from Washington in exchange for third- and fifth-round draft picks. Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, previously sat out the entire 2019 season in a dispute with Washington over their handling of his health issues, including a rare cancer diagnosis.
As for his future, Williams remains determined. “I’m going to play as long as I feel I have something to offer,” he stated. “Football is all I’ve done since second grade, and I’m not stopping now.”
Williams’ return is a major win for the 49ers as they head into the new season, ready to compete at the highest level.
