49ers avoid nightmare scenario for season opener by agreeing to reworked contract with Trent Williams

Having finally come to terms on a long-term contract with Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers had little time to avoid the nightmare scenario of not having All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams on the field for Week 1.

Williams held out throughout training camp and was reportedly prepared to miss games in order to force the 49ers' hand in giving him a reworked contract including some guaranteed money. The final three years of the deal he signed with the Niners in 2021 did not feature any guaranteed money.

The 49ers have now rectified that, however, agreeing to a reworked deal with the 11-time Pro Bowler. Williams landed back in the Bay Area on Monday and his agency Elite Loyalty Sports confirmed the future Hall of Famer is set to finalize a new deal.

The Athletic's Diana Russini reported the deal is a contract extension. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo added that Williams' agency had informed him that a deal is not done, but is close enough for the three-time first-team All-Pro to report back to the facility.

It means Williams will almost certainly be on the field for the 49ers' Monday Night Football season opener against the New York Jets , whose defensive line would likely have had a decided edge over the San Francisco offensive line without Williams in the picture.

The question now will turn to whether Williams can be the best version of himself right off the bat with only a matter of days to prepare for the curtain-raiser.

Nick Bosa, who was signed to an extension just days before the season last year, spoke about the negative impact that had on his performances in 2023.

However, Williams' right hand man up front, 49ers left guard Aaron Banks, was among many this offseason to express confidence in Williams' ability to perform at short notice.

"Trent's a guy that when he shows up he's going to be Trent Williams," Banks said back in July. "When he shows up he'll be ready, I'm not worried about that."

With how important Williams is to all aspects of the 49er offense and the level of challenge the Jets are likely to pose, San Francisco will hope he lives up to those expectations and delivers a reminder of why he is regarded as the best tackle in the game.

Related: Brandon Aiyuk is perfectly set up to avoid letdown year after finally agreeing 49ers extension