49ers’ Kyle Shanahan offers latest clues to Aiyuk, Williams stalemates
SANTA CLARA — A month since training camp opened, Kyle Shanahan is still talking about the 49ers’ contract stalemates with Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams, but one sounds closer to ending than the other.
Williams, a three-time All-Pro left tackle, has yet to report in person to the 49ers. But he has been in touch with his coach.
“I’ve had some contact with him. It’s been good talking to him,” Shanahan said Thursday in his weekly appearance on KNBR 680-AM. “We’re negotiating hard. Hopefully it’s getting close.”
Williams has accrued $3.15 million in fines for his contract holdout, and he stands to lose another $1.1 million if he does not report by Friday’s preseason finale at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Aiyuk has avoided such fines by staging a hold-in, having reported to camp on time 30 days ago but not participating in any of the 19 practices. He was not seen at practice on Wednesday and Thursday after watching three sessions last week.
“So much has changed. No, I’m just joking. No new updates,” Shanahan said. “I’m sorry to keep being boring about that. I wish I was saying something different, but nothing has changed yet.”
KNBR host Tom Tolbert followed up by asking how Aiyuk’s back is, since that is the injury excuse cited for practice absences. “From what I hear, he’s still working through it,” Shanahan said.
The 49ers seem less concerned about Williams skipping camp, seeing how he’s entering his 16th season, most of which has been in this offensive system.
DeSean Jackson, a former teammate of Williams in Washington, revealed on the FS1 show “Speak” he spoke with Williams and expects an imminent deal.
“I don’t think we need to panic, I just was on a phone call with my boy Trent,” Jackson said. “He’s working out. And when I say he’s working out, he’s in that (Houston) gym, man. And you know what, a little insight. I don’t want to talk too much, but I’m going to give y’all a little something.
“They’re working on something, man. I think they are going to make it right for my boy to come in there, man. He might be showing up a little late. He’s got some fines and some fees he might have to take care of, but he’s gonna be there, man. So 49ers fans, it’s going to be alright. So y’all take it easy, but honestly, he’ll be there shortly.”
Shanahan discreetly dropped more offensive line news in his KNBR segment, saying that among Brock Purdy’s protectors in Sunday’s preseason game was their “starting right guard,” which was rookie Dominick Puni, who’s taken all first-team reps since the third practice of camp.
NFL Network’s Mike Garfolo reported that the 49ers and Aiyuk’s representative, Ryan Williams, have talked in recent days, adding: “They’re close and within striking distance but it hasn’t happened.” A trade to the Steelers remains in play, Garofolo added.
If Aiyuk is not available come the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against the New York Jets, Shanahan suggested that Jauan Jennings likely would be summoned to fill that starting role. Jennings has been sidelined recently by oblique, hip and ankle issues, however. First-round pick Ricky Pearsall remains out of practice with a shoulder injury after practicing just one week in camp, once he got cleared from an offseason hamstring strain.