For the last few months, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been looking to receive a lucrative contract extension, as he’s heading into the final year of his current contract.
Neither side was able to get close to an agreement, leading to Aiyuk asking for a trade, and while he reported to training camp on Tuesday, he didn’t take part in practice on Wednesday.
But now the 49ers have another star who is sitting out because he wants a raise — Trent Williams.
The Pro Bowl left tackle still has three years left on his contract that will pay him a hearty salary, and Joy Taylor said on Fox Sports 1’s “Speak” that San Francisco needs to and will pay him because without him, they won’t win the NFC West, let alone the conference or the Super Bowl championship.
.@JoyTaylorTalks: The 49ers will pay Trent Williams because without him, they’re not even winning the division. pic.twitter.com/uWB48EycAL
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) July 24, 2024
Although Williams has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last 11 years and is considered arguably the best left tackle in the NFL, he is, in many ways, the Niners’ unsung hero on offense.
He provides outstanding protection for quarterback Brock Purdy while opening up avenues for star running back Christian McCaffrey.
Williams’ impact is magnified when one considers that the right side of San Francisco’s offensive line is shaky.
In fact, in Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the NFL’s top 50 players, Williams came in all the way at No. 3.
“He didn’t give up a sack all last season while posting a 92.6 PFF run-blocking grade. He was one of only two tackles in the game to earn PFF grades of at least 80.0 as both a pass protector and a run blocker, and the only one to do so with an overall mark north of 90.0.”
Although Williams just turned 36 years of age, he should have a couple of high-level years left in him, and the Niners certainly need to keep him happy enough as they continue to seek their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
