How a call from Kyle Shanahan got the 49ers a deal with Trent Williams

The San Francisco 49ers finally ended left tackle Trent Williams’ holdout this week by renegotiating his three-year contract to provide him significantly more guaranteed money. While Williams had made his frustrations with his contract clear for months, it took the impending start of the regular season for the 49ers front office to concede to some of his demands. According to a report by Diana Russini of The Athletic, it was a phone call from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to Williams that finally got the two sides on the same page. Per Russini, Shanahan called Williams on Sunday to make it clear to the future Hall of Famer that the Niners need him.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan dialed up his first-ballot Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams on Sunday, eight days before their season opener, and delivered a straightforward message: “We need you.”

Williams shares a unique bond with his head coach, who was the offensive coordinator in Washington when Williams was a rookie in 2010 — he considers Shanahan a friend. Williams responded: “You know the only way you are taking me off the field is on a stretcher. I am fully committed to giving you all of my physical and mental being if you can provide the security I need off the field for my family.”

The men shared their feelings, gave in a little, and soon a deal was done. The last holdout of the 49ers’ dramatic offseason was over.

Russini further clarified that Shanahan and Williams had not spoken for roughly two months prior to that conversation. Despite their close relationship, the nature of contract talks had left both of them hesitant to reach out. Russini explained that the only time they spoke this summer was at running back Christian McCaffrey’s wedding. Williams was uncomfortable interacting with Shanahan and general manager John Lynch amidst the tense negotiations, but the event nevertheless went off without any dramatics.