NFL Rumors: Trent Williams and 49ers moving in a “positive direction” with new contract | News, results, highlights, stats and rumors

After Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation was resolved last week, the San Francisco 49ers are working to bring Trent Williams back into the team ahead of their Week 1 game against the New York Jets.

In the latest episode of City of the Shovel Podcast (starts at 2:25), the 49ers and Williams have discussed a new contract and talks are moving in a “positive direction” less than a week before the start of the regular season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported that both sides are “trying to finalize a deal,” noting that Williams returned to the Bay Area on Monday night:

Williams has skipped the entire training camp and preseason and is waiting for a resolution to his contract. The star left tackle still has three years left on the six years, $138.1 million He signed the contract in March 2021, but there is no longer a guaranteed salary in the contract.

The 49ers were in a similar situation with Christian McCaffrey earlier this offseason. His previous contract had time remaining and no guaranteed salary, so they signed him to a two-year, $38 million extension in June, with $24 million fully guaranteed.

San Francisco is also preparing to give Brock Purdy a long-term contract extension if he becomes eligible next offseason.

Williams' situation is further complicated by the market for top-tier tackles and his age. He turned 36 on July 19, but his performance hasn't dipped so far.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on August 28 that Williams was “eager to prove his point,” that he deserves a raise and may be willing to take his contract extension into the regular season.

Thursday could be an unofficial deadline for the 49ers to sort out the situation, as it will be their first real practice before Week 1. Matt Barrows noted that the defending NFC champions also have a “bonus” practice on Tuesday night.

The 49ers don't need a lot of practice time for Williams to be confident that he will be ready when games begin.

San Francisco definitely needs Williams at left tackle. The offensive line has struggled during his absence in the preseason. Jaylon Moore, who would start at left tackle if Williams is unavailable, allowed three pressures in the final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the most on the team.

Williams is entering his fifth season with the 49ers. He has been named to the All-Pro first team each of the last three years.

The 49ers will host the Jets on September 9 at Levi's Stadium for the first Monday Night Football game of the season.