49ers Already Making Nice With Trent Williams Could Set up Positive Contract Extension Talks

No one player and team had a bigger standoff during the 2019 NFL season than offensive lineman Trent Williams and the Washington Redskins. Williams played 10 years in the nation’s capital, but sat out the 2019 season over contractual and personal grievances with the organization.

After spending all of 2019 looking for a new home via trade, Williams wouldn't get his wish granted until this offseason. Williams was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, which means he will be playing on a contending team for the first time in a while. Williams also got some help financially from his new team with a restructured contract for this season.

From NFL Now: New #49ers LT Trent Williams told me on RapSheet + Friends that he's agreed to a tweaked final year of his contract, pending physical. My understanding is it gives him some upfront money (a nice thing, since he earned zero last year). pic.twitter.com/fAf28yGm15
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 28, 2020

Due to the fact that Williams did not earn any money from not playing in Washington in 2019, the restructure includes more money up front rather than in base salary or incentives.

This is a smart move from the 49ers considering Williams will be a free agent after this season. Best to make a good impression right off the bat so he's more inclined to re-sign when the time comes!

"Oh yeah, Trent Williams is an unbelievable tackle -- who's exceptionally athletic. I'm so excited to work with him. Can't be any more excited to get the ball rolling" -- Mostert on Williams. #49ers
— Fourth and Nine (@fourth_nine) May 20, 2020

If Williams can stay healthy and produce like the perennial Pro Bowl player he has been for his entire career, he could be in line for a longer tenure in the Bay Area. Until then, the working relationship between Williams and the organization is off to a good start.