Trent Williams To Continue Holdout, Week 1 In Doubt

With the preseason concluded, left tackle Trent Williams intends to continue his holdout unless his contract is renegotiated, casting doubt on his availability for Week 1 with the San Francisco 49ers. The team is eager to address the issue, as their offensive line's effectiveness significantly diminishes without him. Williams still has three years remaining on the six-year, $138.1 million extension he signed in 2021, but his deal no longer includes any guaranteed salary. Williams is seeking a reassessment of his terms after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs and the Detroit Lions' Penei Sewell set new benchmarks for tackle contracts this offseason. Despite being among the highest-paid tackles with an average annual salary of $23 million, the 49ers can exit the contract after the 2024 season, as his 2025 and 2026 salaries are not guaranteed. Williams, an All-Pro for the third consecutive season in 2023, was crucial to the 49ers, allowing the sixth-fewest sacks (34). His absence would significantly impact the team's performance and fantasy football implications.