Apart from who they’ll draft in April, the future of star offensive tackle Trent Williams is the biggest question surrounding the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.
While there have been reports of contractual issues between Williams and the team, the prevailing theory is that the 49ers won’t trade their veteran tackle. However, the team decided not to exercise Williams’ $10 million option bonus on Friday, which raises his cap hit to $46.34 million.
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Despite the reported issues, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t sound too concerned about Williams’ future with the team. He told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic this past weekend that while he doesn’t have any updates on the situation, he believes a deal will get done between the 49ers and Williams.
“I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know [49ers general manager] John [Lynch] and everyone is working hard to do that,” Shanahan said. “I believe we will get that done. We love Trent too much and eventually that will work out.”
Williams has played the past six seasons with the 49ers since joining the team from the Washington Commanders. He made the Prow Bowl five times over that span, including three first-two All-Pro nods and one second-team All-Pro selection this past season.
Even as he enters his age 38 season, Williams is an elite player and an anchor for the 49ers’ offensive line. San Francisco could opt to find his replacement in the draft, but for now it sounds as if they’re planning to run with him in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers head coach offers optimism on Trent Williams contract issue