The San Francisco 49ers have restructured their contract with offensive tackle Trent Williams, securing a three-year, $82.66 million deal that includes $48 million at signing and a $25.69 million signing bonus, according to his agency.
Williams’ $27.65 million salary for the 2024 season sets a new benchmark for offensive linemen across the NFL. The lucrative agreement ended his 40-day holdout, bringing the veteran player back to team practice at Levi’s Stadium on Tuesday.
“I didn’t think that it would get this drawn out, but it’s a tough business and this was a very intricate contract,” Williams stated during a press conference after practice. “I wouldn’t call it a dispute but a restructure. It took time to get to where both sides feel like it’s a win-win.”
At 36, Williams remains one of the premier offensive tackles in the league, boasting 11 Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, including First-Team All-Pro nods in each of the past three seasons.
Originally signing a six-year, $138.1 million contract with the 49ers in 2021, Williams sought to secure his future with guaranteed salaries but ultimately embraced the offer that reinstated him as the highest-paid offensive lineman in terms of annual average salary.
“I was under contract until 38, so it’s hard to ask somebody to guarantee an eight-figure salary when I’m 38,” Williams explained. “I get that, and I feel like in my heart of hearts I’ll be the same player and I feel like I work hard enough that I can keep that brand of football the same. But I understand it.”
Addressing thoughts of retirement, Williams expressed his desire to continue playing at an elite level. “I’ve seen Andrew Whitworth winning a Super Bowl at 41 or 42. It’s like, why not me?” he said. “So, who knows if you get compensated at the top of your position at the age of 40? But I don’t think that matters. To me, if I can still be out there, then I just want to continue to knock barriers down. And I know at my age there’s not been a lot of people to play at an All-Pro level outside of a quarterback.”
The 49ers are set to kick off their regular season by hosting the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium on September 9, with Williams anchoring the offensive line.
Reference(s):
San Francisco 49ers make Trent Williams highest-paid offensive lineman
cgtn.com
