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2024.09.04 16:11 GMT+8

San Francisco 49ers make Trent Williams highest-paid offensive lineman

Updated 2024.09.04 16:11 GMT+8
Sports Scene

Offensive tackle Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before their game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington, November 1, 2020. /CFP

The San Francisco 49ers have restructured their contract with offensive tackle Trent Williams, making it a three-year, $82.66 million deal that includes $48 million at signing, a $25.69 million signing bonus, according to his agency.

Williams' $27.65 million for the 2024 season will be the highest for all offensive linemen. The raised salary also put an end to his 40-day holdout and brought him to team practice at Levi's Stadium on Tuesday.

"I didn't think that it would get this drawn out, but it's a tough business and this was a very intricate contract," Williams said at a press conference after practice. "I wouldn't call it a dispute but restructure. It took time to get to where both sides feel like it's a win-win."

Even at 36, Williams is still one of the best in his position as a 11-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro nod, including being selected into the First-team All-Pro in all of the past three seasons.

Williams signed a six-year, $138.1 million deal with the 49ers in 2021. He told reporters on Tuesday that at first he wanted the team to guarantee the rest of his salaries, but accepted the offer of becoming the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league in terms of annual average salary again.

"I was under contract until 38, so it's hard to ask somebody to guarantee an eight-figure salary when I'm 38," Williams said. "I get that and I feel like in my heart of hearts I'll be the same player and I feel like I work hard enough that I can keep that brand of football the same. But I understand it."

When asked about retirement, Williams said he only wanted to continue to play. "I've seen (Andrew) Whitworth winning a Super Bowl at 41 or 42. It is like, why not me?" He added. "So, who knows if you get compensated at the top of your position at the age of 40? But I don't think that matters. To me if I can still be out there, then I just want to continue to knock barriers down. And I know at my age there's not been a lot of people to play at an All-Pro level outside of a quarterback."

The 49ers will begin their regular season by hosting the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium on September 9.

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