49ers star OL continues contract holdout that could impact the team

The spotlight this offseason has been on whether the San Francisco 49ers can get a contract done with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. But there is another contract holdout that is threatening to bleed into Week 1 — and it could be even more detrimental to the Bay Area team this season.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported this week that Niners left tackle Trent Williams is still holding out for a contract adjustment and does not plan to join the team until a deal is finalized.

"He's been taking up golf, staying away from the team, doing his own thing," Fowler said. "Still training, of course, and getting ready for the season potentially. But he's not overly stressed about having to be out there right now."

Suffice it to say, Williams' absence would do Brock Purdy and the rest of the 49ers offense a huge disservice.

As SB Nation summarizes, Williams "Williams didn’t allow a single sack in 2023 and was one of two tackles to earn at least an 80 and above grade [from Pro Football Focus ] as a run blocker and pass blocker while being the only tackle to accomplish that with an above 90 overall grade."

Williams, 36, has three years and $77.25M left on his current contract, according to Spotrac. He is the fourth-highest-paid left tackle in the league, Fowler reported, "even though he [has been] the best the last few years."

NBC Sports reports that Williams is accruing fines for not skipping mandatory minicamp and all of training camp. According to that report, the 49ers cannot waive those fines.

San Francisco starts the regular season at home against the New York Jets on "Monday Night Football" on Sept. 9.