"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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers urged to sign 'perfect fill-in' while Mykel Williams recovers
The San Francisco 49ers battled through several key injuries last season, including losses to defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams. The injuries contributed to a pass rush that struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Bosa suffered a torn ACL in Week... -
How 49ers QB Brock Purdy's relationship with Kyle Shanahan has evolved
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is preparing to enter his fifth NFL season. He has come a long way since being selected with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and has since led the 49ers to three playoff berths, two NFC Championship Games, and a Super Bowl... -
49ers veteran reveals how Kyle Shanahan has evolved as a coach
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, this year's Dwight Clark Award recipient, spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area's Laura Britt on Wednesday at the Dwight Clark Legacy Series event and offered insight into head coach Kyle Shanahan's growth since arriving in San... -
2026 Schedule Tracker: Known 49ers Games Ahead of the Official Release
The NFL will unveil its full 272-game schedule for the 2026 season tonight at 5:00 p.m. PT. As is often the case, several week-by-week matchups have already begun leaking ahead of the official announcement. This tracker compiles those early San Francisco 49ers-related reports...