49ers’ Kyle Shanahan Has 3-Word Message That Helped Terminate Trent Williams’ Contract

It was a relief when the San Francisco 49ers reworked offensive lineman Trent Williams’ contract to a three-year, $82.66 million deal, ending the holdout. While there were many aspects that could have led to the signing of the contract, including the shooting and recovery of 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall, it was also a short message sent by head coach Kyle Shanahan.

There’s no doubt the 49ers wanted to bring back Williams, who is a bona fide Hall of Famer, in the future, as Shanahan has made it clear he wants the offensive lineman back on the team. Shanahan’s direct message to Williams on the phone eight days before the Week 1 opener was “we need you,” according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

Williams, who is entering his 14th season, found common ground after hearing the emotional request from his head coach, with whom the two have had a long friendship dating back to Shanahan’s time as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator in 2011, when he was still a rookie. The 36-year-old spoke about his motivation to get back on the field while also wanting financial stability for his family.

“You know the only way I’m going to get off the field is on a stretcher,” Williams told Shanahan, via Russini. “I’m totally committed to giving you my all, physically and mentally, if you can provide the security I need off the field for my family.”

Trent Williams sets goals after signing with 49ers

Williams said after signing with the 49ers what goals he wants to set for himself, especially at his age where he is still playing at an elite level.

“I just want to continue to break down barriers,” Williams said. “There haven’t been many players who have played at an All-Pro level (at this age) outside of quarterback. I want to continue to show that we’re in a new era. … To me, it’s just more logs in the fire that prove I can be something they’ve never seen before.”

Contract-wise, Williams has ensured he is managed as his previous contract expired when he was 38.

“I was under contract until I was 38, so it’s hard to ask someone to guarantee me an eight-figure salary when I’m 38,” Williams said. “I understand that, and I feel like in my heart I’m going to be the same player, and I feel like I’m working hard enough to be able to keep playing that style of football. But I understand that.”

“I’ve been around long enough to understand both sides of the coin, so I didn’t take it as disrespect. But that was one of the key points, is that yes, I was under contract until I was 38. It’s hard to say to someone, ‘Hey, they’ve never seen this before.’ We’ve never seen people play and be the best at their position, other than quarterback, so I get it. And to me, it’s just another log in the fire to prove that I can be something that we’ve never seen before.”

Regardless, the 49ers open the current season with a highly anticipated game against the New York Jets on Monday night following their Super Bowl loss.