Kyle Shanahan has no updates on Trent Williams, but remains optimistic about his return

The San Francisco 49ers already have their sights set on next season, even with certain uncertainties on their roster. Trent Williams has yet to resolve his contract situation, but despite that, Kyle Shanahan is confident he will be able to count on him.

“No updates from me,” the head coach said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know John and everyone is working hard to do that. I believe we will get that done. We love Trent too much and eventually that will work out.”

Rumors about a potential trade or even releasing Williams have been swirling in recent days. However, in the Bay, optimism remains that they can continue counting on one of their best offensive linemen.

Where does Williams stand with the 49ers today?

Trent Williams and the 49ers remain in a high-stakes contract standoff. The team recently declined a $10 million option bonus, a tactical move that stripped Williams of his remaining guarantees while skyrocketing his 2026 cap hit to nearly $47 million.

The 49ers are aiming to restructure the 37-year-old’s contract before next month’s NFL Draft to lower his cap impact and secure the veteran tackle for their upcoming Super Bowl push.

Trent Williams’ impact on the 49ers

In Kyle Shanahan’s sophisticated outside-zone scheme, Trent Williams serves as the vital engine that powers the entire offensive line. His unique combination of massive size and elite athleticism allows him to reach the second level of defenders with ease, creating massive lanes for the 49ers’ running game.

During the 2025 season, Williams remained a dominant force in the Bay Area, earning an impressive 91.5 overall grade. Despite being 37 years old, he started 16 games and allowed only 4 sacks and 32 total pressures across nearly 600 pass-blocking snaps.

His performance earned him his 12th consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, proving he is still the gold standard for left tackles in the NFL.