"San Francisco's initial proposal to Williams was seen as decidedly low, according to league sources, which is not unusual with how that team often initiated contract discussions," Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom reported.
According to La Canfora, the offer was for two years at an average salary below Williams' perceived market value.
"We think he has a ton of leverage," one interested NFL executive told La Canfora. "He has to realize that."
If the two sides fail to find common ground, one AFC team is reportedly "ready to pounce." That team is the same one that pursued Williams in 2021 before the offensive lineman ultimately chose to return to the 49ers—the Kansas City Chiefs.
"Kansas City is seen by many around the league as the team most eager to land him and the one that would be the best fit," La Canfora wrote.
"Williams wants to win a Super Bowl, Kansas City has done more of that than any franchise since drafting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs went after Williams very aggressively the last time he was on the open market. Williams ended up with San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan then, with Shanahan a part of his father's staff in Washington when that team selected Williams in the first round in 2010."
The 49ers do not have a clear replacement if they fail to extend Williams. Losing the future Hall of Fame offensive lineman would be a major blow to the offense and could place quarterback Brock Purdy under significantly more pressure.
Williams' age is also a factor in the negotiations. The All-Pro left tackle will turn 38 ahead of the 2026 season, making it uncertain how many more years he has left at an elite level.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been searching for stability at left tackle in recent years.
"The Chiefs have been churning through left tackles in recent years, coach Andy Reid has been comfortable going with stopgaps there in the past (Williams only has a few years left at this stage of his career), and the Chiefs recently released offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor," La Canfora added.
If negotiations between Williams and the 49ers break down, the Chiefs appear ready to make a serious push for the veteran protector.
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