New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is closely monitoring the ongoing situation between the San Francisco 49ers and two of their star players, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tackle Trent Williams. Aiyuk is "holding in" as he awaits a contract extension or trade, while Williams is holding out, seeking a restructured deal with more guaranteed money and likely a pay raise.
No one anticipated the standoff between the 49ers and these two players would drag on this long. Yet here we are, with Week 1 just around the corner, and there's still no resolution in sight.
Saleh, however, isn't taking any chances. He's preparing his Jets as if Aiyuk and Williams will be on the field for their regular-season opener against the 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
"Fully expect those two [to play]," Saleh said on Tuesday via Pro Football Talk. "Fully expect Trent Williams to walk on the field and still be his All-Pro self with a newly minted contract, I'm sure, and Aiyuk, I'm sure he'll be there, but yeah, you keep an eye, kind of a side-eye. Right now, it's all tunnel vision towards them and only them."
San Francisco enters the season with championship aspirations, fueled by the heartache of last February's Super Bowl loss. A strong Week 1 showing against the Jets would send a clear message that the team is ready to take on the challenge of climbing back to the top.
With one of the best rosters in the NFL, the 49ers will present a formidable test for Saleh's Jets, regardless of what happens with Aiyuk and Williams.
"I'll say this: with or without them, they are still a championship roster, and they've got some dudes all over their roster," Saleh admitted. "It's going to be a fun game, great challenge."