49ers, Trent Williams Situation Gets Major Update From Insider

NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco shares optimism about a resolution between the 49ers and star offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:36am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold colors depicting a football player in action, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes representing the player's movements and the energy of the game.A cubist interpretation of 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams in action, highlighting his importance to the team's offensive line.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers and veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams are still working to finalize a new contract, with Williams set to carry a hefty $47 million cap hit next season. However, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that 49ers general manager John Lynch has expressed optimism about reaching a deal that works for both sides. Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman also weighed in, believing that Williams has leverage but that both parties want to keep the relationship intact.

Why it matters

Trent Williams is a crucial part of the 49ers' offensive line and was one of the best tackles in the NFL last season. Resolving his contract situation is a top priority for the team as they look to build on their recent success and make another Super Bowl run. The 49ers have struggled with dead cap space in recent years, so finding a solution that works for both Williams and the team is important.

The details

The 49ers declined Williams' $10 million roster bonus, which would have put his 2026 cap hit close to $47 million. A restructured deal could lower that number and add guaranteed money to his contract. NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that 49ers GM John Lynch expressed optimism about finding a resolution that works for both sides. Last season, Williams earned a 91.5 overall PFF grade, ranking third among qualified offensive tackles. He allowed 32 total pressures, including four sacks and eight hits, while also earning a 92.8 run-blocking grade that ranked second in the league.

  • The 49ers declined Trent Williams' $10 million roster bonus for the 2026 season.

The players

Trent Williams

A veteran offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers who is seeking a new contract. He earned a 91.5 overall PFF grade in 2025, ranking third among qualified tackles.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, who has expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Trent Williams.

Richard Sherman

A former cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers who weighed in on the team's contract negotiations with Trent Williams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When John Lynch said that they felt like they were on the precipice of finding a resolution that worked for both sides, that kind of optimism should not be dismissed.”

— Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area reporter

“I think they've gotten frustrated, not with Trent Williams, but just with the dead‑money situation that they've run into year after year.”

— Richard Sherman, Former 49ers cornerback

“Trent feels like he has a tremendous amount of leverage. Obviously, the longer these negotiations go on, the less leverage I think Trent has because teams are going to spend the money.”

— Richard Sherman, Former 49ers cornerback

What’s next

The 49ers and Trent Williams will continue to negotiate a new contract, with the goal of reaching a deal that works for both sides before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Resolving the contract situation with Trent Williams is a top priority for the 49ers, as he is a crucial part of their offensive line and one of the best tackles in the league. Both sides appear motivated to find a solution, but the 49ers' history of dead cap space issues could complicate the negotiations.