The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their training camp with only two players missing from practice due to contract disputes. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and star left tackle Trent Williams were the absentees, with Aiyuk being present at the facility but not practicing, known as a “hold-in,” while Williams did not report at all, leading to a holdout.
Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence that Williams would eventually join the team, citing ongoing contract-related discussions that began back in the spring. Williams, who has multiple years left on his current deal, is seeking adjustments to his contract to reflect his status as one of the league’s best offensive linemen. Despite still being a top performer, Williams has seen other players surpass his salary, pushing for a reworked deal that guarantees more money.
The situation with Aiyuk is similar, as the young receiver is also seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He reported to camp on time but has not been participating in practice due to lingering contract negotiations. The Niners are facing potential contract issues with several key players, including Christian McCaffrey, Aiyuk, Williams, and others set to become free agents in the near future.
The team remains optimistic about resolving these contract disputes and keeping their talented roster intact. Linebacker Fred Warner acknowledged the challenges of managing a team with so many star players but expressed confidence that the organization will find a way to address these issues. As the season progresses, the focus will be on getting everyone on the same page and ensuring that the team is ready to compete at the highest level.