A fan recently asked NFL insider Albert Breer when the San Francisco 49ers might sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tackle Trent Williams, who have been holding in and holding out, respectively. Many expected these situations to be resolved by now, especially with Week 1 of the regular season approaching. The 49ers are set to play their final preseason game on Friday.
Breer responded to the concerned fan, who, like many others, hopes the offseason drama will soon end.
"I'd say Labor Day weekend is a fair target," Breer wrote in his mailbag feature for Sports Illustrated. "I do think both of them get taken care of."
That would be just seven days before the 49ers' season opener on September 9, a matchup against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium.
While the delay has been frustrating, Breer's belief that both star players will remain with the 49ers is reassuring. After all, having Aiyuk and Williams on offense significantly boosts the team's chances of returning to the Super Bowl after coming agonizingly close to winning it all last season.
"Good communication with both the players and their representatives, but just haven't made any breakthroughs," general manager John Lynch said on Thursday morning.
Aiyuk is seeking to become one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers, whether with the 49ers or via a trade to another team willing to meet his demands. His continued presence on the roster is a positive sign that negotiations haven't reached a breaking point where San Francisco would consider parting with its leading receiver from last season.
Williams, who didn't report to training camp, is holding out for a restructured deal, likely one that includes guaranteed money and possibly elevates him among the highest-paid offensive linemen.
"I know fans are eagerly awaiting, and the season's right around the corner," Lynch continued. "I can tell everybody this: we feel the urgency to get all our players back. We're very excited about our team, and those are two guys that have been a big part of us, a huge part of our success, so we'd like to have them both back in the fold."