49ers superstar's holdout approaching crisis mode: 'They have to do something'

The San Francisco 49ers have spent their summer doing much more negotiation than they would have liked, and it appears that may now bleed over into fall.

Two of the 49ers' most prominent superstars have yet to participate in training camp activities, despite being under contract for the 2024 season.

Brandon Aiyuk, though he traveled to the final preseason game in Las Vegas, has been the center of rampant trade speculation, while seeking a long-term extension. But at least the 49ers have been able to speak with Aiyuk in person.

Meanwhile, 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams has been out in the wind, reportedly taking up golf while waiting for the 49ers to offer him an extension. And according to an insider, Williams' holdout is now in danger of spilling over into the regular season.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday that Williams plans to continue his holdout in spite of the rapidly approaching game schedule, which Fowler said placed Williams' Week 1 availability "in focus."

"He's not overly stressed to be out there right now," Fowler said. "The 49ers know they have do something here, maybe sweeten the guarantees on his contract, but they're dealing with Brandon Aiyuk at the same time they're trying to get this guy done."

Williams, 36, is currently entering year four of a six-year, $138 million extension with San Francisco, but the final two years of that deal are not guaranteed. As it stands, he's set to be the fourth-highest-paid tackle in the league in 2024.

Though Williams is becoming one of the oldest players in the league, he's still playing at an elite level. He has been a first-team All Pro in each of the past three seasons, while blowing just 25 blocks in that time frame, per Sports Info Solutions .

While the 49ers still have plenty of talent on offense beyond Aiyuk and Williams, the length of the holdout has to begin concerning San Francisco. Their championship window won't be open forever, and every passing week is a missed opportunity to get their roster closer to full strength.

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