It’s turning into a game of chicken out in the Bay. That’s because star left tackle Trent Williams’ contract situation has turned into a waiting game, and not everyone believes it’s being handled fairly. With the San Francisco 49ers letting his cap hit balloon and negotiations dragging on, criticism is starting to follow. One NFL voice thinks the team knows exactly what it’s doing.
Mike Florio Says the San Francisco 49ers Are ‘Playing a Game’ with Trent Williams’ Contract
NBC’s Mike Florio, never one to avoid controversy, took aim at San Francisco’s handling of Trent Williams’ contract on “Pro Football Talk Live.”
“They don’t want to pay the guy $32M in cash to a guy who is gonna turn 38 in July,” Florio said. “The problem with no guarantees in the contract, the 49ers can just squat and wait.”
Florio framed it as intentional. That’s where his issue comes in. In his view, this isn’t just about money. It’s about leverage.
Mike Florio on the 49ers and Trent Williams:
“They don’t want to pay the guy $32M in cash to a guy who is gonna turn 38 in July. The problem with no guarantees in the contract, the 49ers can just squat and wait. As time goes by other teams will have blown their budgets and Trent… pic.twitter.com/JLGiO9q2gN
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 23, 2026
“As time goes by other teams will have blown their budgets and Trent Williams is more likely to take the 49ers best offer,” he said. “That’s the game the 49ers are playing and if I were Trent Williams, I’d be pissed about it.”
How the 49ers Let Trent Williams’ Cap Hit Jump to $47M While Talks Stall
The timing of Florio’s comments lines up with a major decision from San Francisco. Last week, the team declined to exercise a $10 million option bonus in Williams’ contract, pushing his 2026 cap hit to nearly $47 million.
That number stands out, but it does not appear to concern the organization internally. The expectation remains that the contract will be revisited before the draft. At the same time, the move adds pressure to both sides.
Williams is entering his age-38 season, but his performance has not dropped off. He ranked eighth in the PFSN NFL Offensive Line Impact metrics and is still the focal point of the 49ers’ rushing scheme.
San Francisco, however, is balancing that production against long-term financial flexibility. The roster includes multiple high-priced veterans, and committing significant guaranteed money to an aging player carries risk.
That tension is what Florio is pointing to.
Why Time Could Work Against Williams in This Standoff
The longer negotiations drag on, the more the market shifts. Teams spend early in free agency. Cap space disappears. Opportunities shrink. That dynamic creates leverage for the 49ers.
If Williams does not secure a deal elsewhere, his best option could eventually circle back to San Francisco. That is the scenario Florio believes the team is counting on.
There are still multiple paths forward. A contract extension would lower the cap hit and keep Williams in place.
A restructure could provide short-term relief. A trade remains a possibility if talks break down.
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already expressed confidence that a resolution will come, pointing to the organization’s track record of working through similar situations. The relationship between player and team also matters a lot. Williams has been a cornerstone of the offense and a key reason the 49ers have remained competitive for years.
San Francisco has taken negotiations to the edge before. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it creates friction. Florio’s comments highlight that tension. The 49ers may be playing the long game. The question is how long both sides are willing to wait.
