49ers and Trent Williams Making Progress on Contract Extension

GM John Lynch says talks have 'intensified' recently as both sides work to get a deal done before the NFL Draft.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:23pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers and star offensive tackle Trent Williams have been in contract negotiations, and according to GM John Lynch, the talks have 'intensified' recently as the two sides work to reach an agreement. The 49ers opted not to exercise a $10 million option bonus in Williams' contract, which increased his salary cap number, but Lynch says the team is not overly concerned about it and is still planning to rework his deal before the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Trent Williams is a critical part of the 49ers' offensive line and one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Keeping him under contract is a top priority for the team as they look to build on their recent success and make another Super Bowl run. Resolving his contract situation before the draft will provide clarity and allow the 49ers to focus on other roster needs.

The details

The 49ers and Williams have been in contract negotiations for some time, with the team opting not to exercise a $10 million option bonus in his current deal. This increased Williams' salary cap number, but GM John Lynch says the team is not overly concerned about it and is still planning to rework his contract. Lynch also noted that the conversations between the two sides have 'intensified' recently as they work to get an agreement done.

  • On March 20, the 49ers opted not to exercise the $10 million option bonus in Williams' contract.
  • On March 29, GM John Lynch provided an update on the contract talks, saying they have 'intensified' recently.

The players

Trent Williams

The San Francisco 49ers' star offensive tackle, considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, who provided an update on the contract negotiations with Trent Williams.

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What they’re saying

“'49ers John Lynch shares that things with Trent Williams are 'on the right track' with 'good communication' that has intensified recently.”

— Jennifer Lee Chan, Reporter

“'With today's 4 pm ET deadline looming, the 49ers are opting not to exercise the $10 million option bonus in Trent Williams' contract, per sources. Williams' salary cap number now will grow to close to $47 million, but the team is not overly concerned about it, and it still is planning to rework his contract before next month's NFL Draft.'”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The 49ers and Trent Williams will continue negotiating a contract extension, with the goal of reaching an agreement before the upcoming NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

The 49ers are making a concerted effort to retain Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles in the league, as they look to build on their recent success and make another Super Bowl run. The intensified contract talks are a positive sign that both sides are committed to getting a deal done that works for the team and the player.