49ers, Trent Williams at odds over contract extension

Veteran left tackle's age complicates negotiations as 49ers aim to lower his salary cap hit

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:21pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers are in a public standoff with 37-year-old left tackle Trent Williams over a contract extension, with reports stating the team could release or trade the 12-time Pro Bowler if an agreement isn't reached. The 49ers have a history of tough contract negotiations that have strained relationships with star players like George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Williams' age is a key factor, as the 49ers must decide how much to guarantee the veteran in his late 30s. While an extension may not be overly complex given their recent agreement, the 49ers' hardline approach has come at a cost in the past.

Why it matters

The 49ers' contentious contract negotiations with star players have created rifts and impacted on-field performance in recent seasons. This latest standoff with the veteran Williams raises questions about the team's negotiating tactics and whether they are worth the potential fallout, especially with the 49ers in an all-in season.

The details

The 49ers and Williams have been unable to agree on a contract extension, with reports stating the team could release or trade the 12-time Pro Bowler if a deal isn't reached. Williams is due a $10 million bonus on Friday, adding urgency to the talks. The 49ers want to lower Williams' $38.8 million salary cap number for 2026 by signing him to an extension, but his age (37) is a complicating factor in how much to guarantee long-term.

  • The 49ers and Williams agreed to his current 3-year, $82.6 million contract in September 2024.
  • Williams is due a $10 million bonus on Friday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Trent Williams

A 37-year-old veteran left tackle who is a 12-time Pro Bowl selection. He is currently under contract with the 49ers for the 2026 season.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.

Paraag Marathe

The chief contract negotiator for the San Francisco 49ers.

George Kittle

A star tight end for the San Francisco 49ers who has previously had contentious contract negotiations with the team.

Deebo Samuel

A star wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who has publicly requested a trade due to the team's negotiating tactics.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime someone is telling you what they think your value is — specifically like when they lowball the hell out of you — it's not a really fun feeling.”

— George Kittle, Tight End (San Francisco Chronicle)

“It's hard to ask somebody to guarantee an eight-figure salary when I'm 38. I get that.”

— Trent Williams (San Francisco Chronicle)

“For lack of a better word, it's kind of war. We both signed a little peace treaty. We good.”

— Trent Williams (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The 49ers' hardline negotiating tactics have created strained relationships and impacted player performance in the past, and this latest standoff with the veteran Trent Williams raises questions about whether their approach is worth the potential fallout, especially with the team in an all-in season.