NFL insider believes Trent Williams and 49ers “are not close” to deal as holdout continues
Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk were the two big holdout problems facing the San Francisco 49ers heading into the week. Now, with Brandon Aiyuk's holdout over, it leaves Trent Williams as the main focus. However, it appears that there is still a lot of work to be done with the situation.
At least, that is what NFL insider Ian Rappoport believes. Speaking on Friday's edition of "Good Morning Football," the insider claimed the two sides remain far apart. Rappoport said (1:25):
"Trent Williams is holding out, out of sight, out of mind. He is principled. He is, I don't know if you say stubborn, because that seems like an insult, but he knows what he is worth.
"He is racking up fines, but he wants his value. And as of right now, I do not believe, guys, they are close, so we will still wait to see whether or not [they] get their other big-time playmaker on the field before the season starts."
Of course, missing an offensive lineman in Week 1 might be glossed over by many fans. However, without Williams in the lineup, it puts Brock Purdy in greater danger of getting hit. When quarterbacks accrue hits, their injury risk goes up. As such, Williams' holdout could tie to the long-term health of the quarterback this season.
Exploring Trent Williams' potential gripes with current contract running through 2026
With a contract still set to run for three more years, fans are wondering what Williams' problems could be. At 36 years old, Williams is covered until the doorstep of 40. At the end of his current deal, per Spotrac, he will be heading into an age 39 season. Most would assume that Williams would be happy to retire at that age.
However, it appears that his gripe might not be with the length of the deal. Rather, Williams is playing smack into the beginning of the deal in which the 49ers begin to save money by cutting ties.
If Brock Purdy's star lineman slips up, the 49ers will have every reason to move on at their next convenient moment. At age 36, the slip could happen at any time. As such, Williams likely would prefer to see the out rescinded on the deal, giving him job security.
Beyond that, an extension to 40 years old could be on his wishlist, as many players his age hope to see 40 on the gridiron. However, both requests would seem to be a big ask for the San Francisco 49ers, even considering everything Williams has done in his career.
Will the two work out their differences in time to face Aaron Rodgers on Monday Night Football to kick off the season?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Good Morning Football" and H/T Sportskeeda.