San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch adopted a noticeably more hopeful tone Tuesday regarding Trent Williams than what reports of a possible split indicated, saying the sides are making progress in contract talks at the scouting combine.
“I think we’re on the right track,” Lynch said after what he described as “good and productive” meetings with Williams’ agent, Vincent Taylor. Lynch added: “Trent loves being a Niner. We love having Trent as a Niner. And it’s up to us to figure that out and to thread that needle. There are some unique circumstances.
“I think we’re all on the same page and feel very positive about where it’s going.”
The timing matters. Williams is entering the last year of his current deal and is set to carry a massive 2026 cap number of $38.8 million, with a $10 million option bonus due April 1.
San Francisco has obvious motivation to lower that cap figure, but it also has little margin for error at left tackle. Williams, who turns 38 in July, played 16 games in 2025, returned for the playoffs after a late-season hamstring injury and remained one of the anchors of the offense.
Williams, a three-time first-team All-Pro selection, is entering his seventh season with the Niners after beginning his career with Washington (2010-2019).
Lynch also said the 49ers will wait until the new league year begins before making any move on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, leaving open at least the possibility of a trade.
