It was stated on Monday by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN that Williams “is not going to be available until he gets his contract adjusted.” That could potentially jeopardise his availability for the Niners’ Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets.

Williams signed a six-year, $138.1 million extension with San Francisco in 2021; three years remain on the deal. He no longer has a guaranteed salary under the terms of the contract, though, and he has seen the tackle market reset this offseason by Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions and Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Williams, who earned a lot of praise for helping the club tie for the sixth-fewest sacks allowed in 2023 with 34, was an All-Pro for the third consecutive season. The current NFC champion can ill afford to be without him as he is one of the most crucial players on the team.

However, Williams turned 36 in July, so if his contract was extended, he might be bound to it until his 40s.

Given San Francisco’s payroll predicament, general manager John Lynch must also exercise caution when it comes to his long-term spending.

Additionally, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is vying for a new deal that would virtually certainly increase his pay to over $30 million a year. In 2026, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuels, and quarterback Brock Purdy will all be free agents. In the secondary, in 2025, both Talanoa Hufanga and Charvarius Ward are expected to be free agents.

Lynch can’t afford to retain everyone, and even a little increase in Williams’ pay would reduce his available funds.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on August 13 on her Scoop City podcast that Williams and the 49ers have not made any “significant movement” in negotiations thus far. According to Fowler’s most recent report, San Francisco will need to make a move for one of the two teams to lose its starting left tackle.