49ers HC Shanahan Addresses Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams amid Trade, Contract Rumors

As the start of the regular season approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are still working on resolving issues with both Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams.

On Thursday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the situation on KNBR’s Colbert and Topes show (via David Bonilla of 49ersWebZone.com), noting that there has been no progress with Aiyuk.

“I feel like we’ve been in the same position for a while, so there are still many options and directions we could take,” Shanahan said. “We’re continuing to explore solutions, but there’s been no change.”

Shanahan expressed a bit more optimism about Williams, who is holding out due to a contract dispute, though he didn’t suggest that a resolution is imminent.

“We’re having numerous discussions with his agent,” Shanahan said. “Trent isn’t at camp right now; I believe he’s in Houston, though I’m not certain. We’re hopeful we can reach an agreement soon, and as always, I’m optimistic about that possibility.”

Aiyuk’s situation has been the main focus for the 49ers during the offseason. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that San Francisco has discussed a trade sending Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team is still working on a long-term extension for the All-Pro wide receiver.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported on Monday that the Steelers’ offer for Aiyuk was around $28 million per season. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 49ers haven’t finalized a trade because the two parties are relatively close on an extension deal.

Williams’ situation has been less dramatic, partly because there’s no indication the 49ers are considering trading him. The three-time All-Pro offensive tackle has been holding out since the start of training camp while seeking a contract adjustment. Though Williams is signed through 2026, his current deal lacks guaranteed money. Christian McCaffrey faced a similar situation earlier this offseason before signing a two-year, $38 million extension in June.

Both Williams and Aiyuk are key components of the 49ers’ offense. Aiyuk, in the final year of his rookie contract, has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, leading the team with 1,342 yards in 2023. Williams, considered one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL, has made the Pro Bowl every year with the 49ers and been a first-team All-Pro for the past three seasons.

The 49ers will kick off the regular season on September 9 against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium.