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The San Francisco 49ers, who seem to have found their franchise quarterback in Brock Purdy, are now facing a challenging situation with contracts involving key players Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk.
The team, confident in Purdy's potential and anticipating his eventual high-value contract, is navigating a complex web of player extensions and training camp absences.
Schlereth: 49ers should secure Williams' soon
Veteran NFL commentator Mark Schlereth recently shared his views on the matter, emphasizing the importance of securing Williams' position.
"I would pay that Beast whatever he wanted,"Schlereth stated on his podcast, "The Stinkin Truth."
Schlereth's high regard for Williams underscores the left tackle's critical role in the team, calling him "arguably their most valuable or best offensive player."
Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowler, is currently holding out from training camp, seeking more guaranteed money despite having three years left on his contract.
His base salaries for the years are substantial: $20.1 million in 2024, $22.5 million in 2025, and $32.2 million in 2026.
Yet, Williams aims to secure a more financially stable future.
Schlereth elaborated on Williams' significance, describing how "players will stop what they're doing to watch him during one-on-one drills."
He also pointed out that Williams' presence is crucial, even comparing him to other top-tier players on the 49ers' roster.
Brandon Aiyuk's strategy raises eyebrows
On the other hand, Schlereth's comments on Brandon Aiyuk were notably different.
Aiyuk, who led the team in receptions and yards last season, is participating in a "hold-in," a strategy to secure a long-term contract extension.
Schlereth criticized this approach, saying, "I think it's chicken sh*t. Either have the balls to sit out or come to camp and participate."
Despite Aiyuk's impressive performance, Schlereth expressed skepticism about his demands.
"Do you deserve to get paid? Yeah, you deserve to get paid," he conceded, "But do you deserve to be a top 10 paid wide receiver in the National Football League? Absolutely not."
49ers' head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have expressed confidence in resolving these issues.
Lynch stated they "fully intend" to retain Aiyuk, while Shanahan downplayed the concerns over Williams' absence, believing it will "all work out in the long run."
Meanwhile, teammate Deebo Samuel, who previously dealt with contract negotiations, advised Aiyuk to "keep his head up" and remain patient.
The 49ers have managed their salary cap adeptly, even if it meant asking players like Kyle Juszczyk and Arik Armstead to take pay cuts.
The current contract negotiations for Williams and Aiyuk are further complicated by the anticipated need to allocate substantial funds for Purdy in the near future.