Williams continues to excel as a future Hall of Famer, earning First Team All-Pro honors in his first three years with San Francisco. His impact on the team’s offense is clear, and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN anticipates the Niners will address Williams’ contract in some way.
Fowler refers to “reworking” Williams’ contract rather than extending it. While there is no guaranteed money remaining on his deal, there is no risk of him being released this season, so his $20.05M base salary for the 2024 season is secure.
Even though Williams’ contract ranks fifth among offensive tackles in terms of average annual value (AAV), high-performing players often seek additional security once the guarantees on their contracts have expired. Fowler notes that Williams is firm in his holdout, unconcerned about the daily non-waivable fines he is accumulating.
Both Williams’ and Aiyuk’s contract situations are interconnected, with Aiyuk refusing to budge from his stance on pay or trade. Negotiations between Aiyuk and the team have stalled, and trade offers may become tempting for the Niners.
If Aiyuk is traded, giving Williams a raise would be more feasible. The team acknowledges that a “thoughtful reset” of its salary cap may be necessary in the near future, requiring parting ways with high-end players to stay competitive long-term.
Looking ahead, quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to receive a substantial extension next season, adding to the roster’s already significant payroll. Several players on the team currently earn between $15M and $34M per year, with more hovering near the $15M mark.
