Much of the 49ers’ offseason has revolved around the financial futures of wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Both appear to be on track to remain in San Francisco for 2024, but other members of the team’s offensive core could soon have their respective contract statuses become talking points. 
During a recent SportsCenter appearance, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on the presence of “whispers around some in the industry” that left tackle Trent Williams could seek out a new deal (h/t Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report). The future Hall of Famer is on the books for three more seasons, but no guaranteed salary remains on his pact.
Williams inked a six-year, $138MM deal in 2021 allowing him to remain in the Bay Area for (presumably) the remainder of his career. The extent to which he will keep playing has become a talking point in recent years, with retirement being a consideration following the 2023 campaign. The 35-year-old has since named playing to age 40 as a goal, and he confirmed he will suit up for the coming season.
Recent developments in the market has seen Williams drop to fourth in the league in terms of annual average value amongst offensive tackles. He is due $20.9MM in 2024, followed by $23.35MM the following season and $33.06MM in 2026. It will be interesting to see if continued strong play from the 11-time Pro Bowler (who has earned first-team All-Pro acclaim each of the past three years) leads to an arrangement featuring new money up front or an acceleration of his future compensation.
Fowler also relayed a similar sentiment concerning tight end George Kittle. Two years remain on his pact (the third-highest at the position in terms of AAV), but he too does not have any outstanding salary which is guaranteed. Fowler notes the core muscle surgery which Kittle underwent this offseason has taken attention away from a potential contract issue toward his recovery process. On the latter note, the 30-year-old recently noted (via Matt Barrows of The Athletic) he is rehabbing as expected and is on schedule to take part in training camp.
San Francisco has new deals for Aiyuk and/or Samuel, along with a mega-extension for quarterback Brock Purdy as early as next offseason to plan for. For the time being, the futures of Williams and Kittle should not be considered an issue, but the report of potential discontent in the future could prove to be significant as the team attempts to keep as many members of its nucleus in place as possible.
Kittle is a no show in the big games having scored just 2 TDs in 12 post season appearances. The 49ers should be insisting he take a pay cut.
He had the most receiving yards of any tight end last year, despite playing for the team that attempted the fewest passes and playing alongside several other stars, in addition to being a key blocker.
if anything, he should be asking for a raise since he had the most receiving yards last year by TE’s and is a great blocker. Plus, he is only 30. Kelce got a huge bump when he just catches and has started hitting his wall last year.
Having arguably the best player at five different positions plus stars at multiple other positions sure does get expensive, but it’s a pretty nice problem to have.
With three and two years remaining, at their ages, I’d let them play out their contracts.
Niners have the oldest roster in the league and over the course of the upcoming season they’ll be getting 21 days less rest than their opponents. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if they suffer some regression from last season.
Fire Kyle Shanahan and his apathetic face. We need LESS Sean McVay brodudes and MORE older experienced coaches in this league
lol yes, because Sean McVay has been doing such a bad job.
Shanahan too. I get that he’s hardly perfect, but you’d think 49ers fans would be a little bit more patient after dealing with the likes of Chip Kelly, Jim Tomsula, and Mike Singletary
Yeah, the guy’s been to two Super Bowls in five years. How many teams haven’t even sniffed one in that time? The “older experienced” thing is funny too. Dude’s been an offensive play caller for 15 years now.
Regardless if he wants an extension or not, Williams deal will have to be addressed next off-season. Restructure and retirement would be huge for the 49ers in different ways. Losing a great player is the negative but spreading those cap hits out and retiring would save them a ton of money and that helps with the Purdy extension since lesser quarterbacks are getting stupid high deals.