While the situation between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has dominated training camp headlines, Aiyuk isn't the only star on the roster unhappy with his contract status. Tackle Trent Williams is seeking a restructured deal, likely one involving more guaranteed money and possibly helping him climb back up the list of the highest-paid offensive linemen.
Williams and the 49ers understand his critical role on the offensive line. The veteran All-Pro, still considered by many as the best offensive lineman in the game at age 36, leaves a significant gap if absent. Fans are eager for an agreement before Week 1, which is quickly approaching.
Former NFL player DeSean Jackson is optimistic that a resolution is on the horizon.
"I don't think we need to panic [too much]," Jackson said this week on FS1's "Speak" (h/t Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area).
Jackson, who has spoken with Williams, shared that the offensive lineman is staying in top shape while away from his teammates and coaches—precisely what you'd expect from a future Hall of Famer.
"He's working out," Jackson continued. "And when I say he's working out, he's in that gym, man. ... I don't want to talk too much, but I'm gonna give y'all a little something. They working on something, man. I think they gonna make it right for my boy to come in there. He might be showing up a little late. He's got some fines and some fees he might have to take care of, but he gonna be there, man.
"So, 49ers fans, it's going to be all right, so y'all take it easy. But honestly, man, he'll be there shortly."
.@DeSeanJackson10 has some information for 49ers' fans... 👀 pic.twitter.com/kqEWPL7P7t
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) August 20, 2024
Jackson and Williams spent three seasons together in Washington. Although Jackson hasn't played since 2022, he clearly remains in contact with his former teammate, if his comments are to be trusted.
On Tuesday, when asked about the situations with Aiyuk and Williams, head coach Kyle Shanahan said, "Zero updates. Nothing has changed."
However, another report indicated that the 49ers met with Aiyuk on Monday and may be close to agreeing on a contract extension. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, fans hope that progress is also being made with Williams.
"Trent's been away from us, but again, the communication has been good there," general manager John Lynch said last week. "Hopefully, we can work through things and get Trent back here. Trent's played for a long time, such a fantastic player and a big part of our team. He's a special player.
"So we're working hard on that as well, and hopefully, Trent's back here soon enough to get back out here with the guys. I know he wants to. I know we want that. Hopefully, we've got good news on both fronts in the near future."