The San Francisco 49ers were without Trent Williams during the first practice of training camp on Wednesday. This comes as the left tackle remains engaged in a contract dispute with the 49ers.
“It was something I knew could be a possibility and I was hoping that he would be here,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted. “But I knew it could be a possibility and I felt pretty confident it’ll all work out in the long run and he’ll be here, and we’ll get on the same page with everything. But it’s just one day of practice and I think Trent will be all right missing a few practices.”
According to Shanahan, there were signs that Williams was dissatisfied with his contract as early as spring. He explained that it was around this time that general manager John Lynch entered talks with Williams’ representatives. Williams has three years remaining on his current six-year $138.06 million contract.
Selected to his 11th Pro Bowl this past season, Williams remains one of the most dominant linemen in the NFL. Due to being so far removed from his rookie contract, Williams is subject to a $50,000 fine for every practice session he misses.
