-
Nick Wagoner
Multiple Authors
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — With the early free agent negotiating window opening in 13 days, the San Francisco 49ers are focused on a critical task: resolving the contract status of left tackle Trent Williams.
Currently, Williams is set to enter the final year of his contract, which has a salary cap figure of $38.84 million, including a base salary of $22.21 million and a $10 million option bonus due soon. This has heightened the need for both parties to come to a suitable agreement.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, sources indicate that Williams and the Niners are facing challenges in reaching a contractual agreement. Shortly after, Niners GM John Lynch addressed reporters at the NFL combine in Indianapolis with a more positive outlook.
“In recent weeks, I’ve met with both Trent and his agent, Vincent Taylor, and our discussions have been good and constructive,” Lynch noted. “Trent loves being a Niner, and we cherish having him on the team. It’s essential for us to find a way to make this work. While Trent’s age—turning 38—presents unique challenges, I believe we’re aligned and optimistic about the direction we’re heading.”
Finalizing a revised deal in the near future would provide the Niners with clear financial planning heading into free agency. As of Tuesday, Williams’ contract has no guaranteed money left and includes three void years beyond this season.
At the conclusion of the last season, Williams expressed to ESPN his expectation for the team to adjust his contract, likely through a short extension that would enhance his guarantees and offer the team some cap relief for 2026.
This seems straightforward, but this isn’t the first occasion the Niners and Williams have experienced difficulty in, as Lynch described, finding a mutually beneficial agreement. Similar to 2024, when Williams held out for 40 days during training camp negotiating a lucrative extension, he has considerable leverage and is nearing the conclusion of his career.
in the end, he signed a restructured three-year, $82.66 million contract at that time, which included $48 million at signing. Williams referred to that agreement as a “very intricate” process as he aimed to remain one of the highest-paid tackles in the NFL.
Since then, Williams has maintained his high performance level, complicating the 49ers’ decision on how much to compensate him as he takes a somewhat year-to-year approach regarding his playing career.
With his 38th birthday approaching on July 19, Williams has consistently stated to ESPN his desire to continue playing until he’s 40, suggesting any agreement with the Niners could extend into the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
since he remains one of the league’s elite tackles—having achieved his 12th Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors in 2025—the likelihood of the 49ers moving on from him seems slim. but, should that scenario arise, the team would face $34.15 million in dead money against the cap, while realizing only $4.69 million in savings.
“I believe we’re headed in the right direction, and he has been an invaluable asset to our organization,” Lynch noted. “We are thrilled to have him on board. My hope—and I’ve shared this with Trent—is that his name will be up there among the greats who have played for the Niners, as he certainly belongs in that category.”
While the Niners navigate the Williams situation, they have also welcomed back a familiar face to assist with personnel decisions. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who previously worked with the Niners in research and development from 2013 to 2019 and served as the Minnesota Vikings’ GM until his dismissal in January, is back in the team’s personnel department, according to Lynch.
As Lynch stated, Adofo-Mensah reached out shortly after the Vikings let him go, and he promptly reassured Adofo-Mensah that he would have a place in San Francisco if he wanted to return.
“This evolved into more in-depth discussions, and we’re bringing him back in a personnel executive capacity,” Lynch mentioned. “After the draft, we hope to finalize his role, but we’re excited to have him back.”
Adofo-Mensah has already returned to the organization and is assisting, according to Lynch. His long-term role or tenure is yet to be determined.
“Sometimes these arrangements are temporary—we’ll just get through the draft first, and then we’ll decide how best to utilize him or what his permanent role will look like, if that’s feasible. Or perhaps another opportunity may arise for him,” Lynch remarked.
While addressing reporters, Lynch also confirmed that the Niners have agreed on a contract extension for long snapper Jon Weeks and stated they “do not anticipate” utilizing the franchise tag on kicker Eddy Pineiro while they continue discussions on a new contract for him.
