On Sunday, still amid a lengthy holdout, Trent Williams received a phone call. It was Kyle Shanahan, so the offensive tackle decided to answer, wondering what the San Francisco 49ers head coach had to say.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini (h/t to Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports), Shanahan's message was simple:
"We need you."
The two hadn't spoken in over two months, not since running back Christian McCaffrey's wedding, when negotiations were at their most distant. However, by last weekend, Shanahan had reached his breaking point. He couldn't envision sending quarterback Brock Purdy onto the field without Williams, his most trusted blocker, anchoring the left side. That wasn't how the 49ers wanted to start the season.
Williams, who considers Shanahan a close friend, reminded him of his commitment to the game while expressing the need for more financial security.
"You know the only way you are taking me off the field is on a stretcher," Williams told Shanahan. "I am fully committed to giving you all of my physical and mental being if you can provide the security I need off the field for my family."
Shortly after the conversation, the deal was finalized. Williams agreed to what he called a three-year, $82.66 million "peace treaty"—an apt description of the hard-fought contract negotiations common in the NFL.
"For lack of a better word, it's kind of war, where both sides are gonna lose a little blood, but you wave the white flag at the end," Williams told reporters after reporting to the team, ending his holdout. "We both sign a little peace treaty, and we good."
With Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk now back, the 49ers feel prepared to bounce back from last season's heartbreaking finish and once again chase championship glory.
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