49ers mailbag: Is Trent Williams’ contract also coming under spotlight?

SANTA CLARA – Three months remain until the 49ers’ season-opening affair with the New York Jets, so let’s g-e-t get to your questions in my first summertime mailbag:

Is it true Trent Williams is looking for a contract extension? (@itrofliw)

While the 49ers justifiably extended Christian McCaffrey last week, Williams’ contract seems to be more of a 2025 issue. ESPN reports there are “whispers around some in the industry” about a desire for an extension. Great, that would be a win-win for Williams and the 49ers to delay any retirement plans. His team-high cap figure ($31.6 million) could be lowered by converting salary into a signing bonus, for a third straight year.

Now think back to 2021 when he signed a market-setting contract (six years, $138.06 million). Three other tackles have surpassed that annual pay grade. The cherry on top of Williams’ deal was a seemingly far-fetched, now-realistic $32.2 million bonanza in 2026. Williams described it as “an incentive for me not to get complacent and say I’ve given the league 15 years and maybe hang it up. It keeps the fire burning on both sides. The first thing Kyle (Shanahan) said to me was, ‘Go get that sixth year.'” Williams became a three-time All-Pro who is now entering that contract’s fourth year. He seems happy and, although he didn’t address the media, he showed last week for mandatory minicamp, unlike …

Is Brandon coming back? (@alexm.06)

Is Brandon Aiyuk still gonna play with the Niners? (@562.jael)

Will we expect another Bosa-like deadline with Aiyuk? (@abbass_h820)

He’ll be back, but the angst over Aiyuk could last into August and beyond, if he’s forced to play out his rookie deal at half the market rate ($14.1 million). George Kittle (2020), Fred Warner (2021) Deebo Samuel (2022) and Nick Bosa (2023) each got second contracts around camp or, in Bosa’s case, just before Week 1 kicked off. And they all got their deals after Year 3. Aiyuk is entering Year 5.

If Aiyuk signs a new deal, is Deebo effectively gone after this season? (@ericagnew)

It depends on how Samuel plays in 2024. I don’t think he’d mind testing the hugely inflated market next year if the 49ers opt to cut ties for $9 million in cap savings. His presence is certainly impactful, but not as much as in 2021 and before McCaffrey arrived. Samuel is so close with Shanahan it’s hard to envision that union ending this year. Ultimately it will. Perhaps in 2026.

Purdy over 4,500 passing yards? (@cashnchecks_)

No 49er has passed for more than 4,280 yards in a season – but Purdy is the one who set that record last year before sitting out the regular-season finale. He has an abundance of weapons, at least for one more season. His surgically repaired elbow looks stronger than ever, and, by now, Mr. Irrelevant’s capabilities should not be overlooked. Go for 4.5K! Heck, make it 4.9K for Faithful numerologists.

How’s Brock looking? (@keagan_reas)

He just completed his first full offseason program as the 49ers’ starting quarterback, and he looked in full command. Deep-ball accuracy could use some work so there better be a rotation of fresh legs to run after those passes in camp.

Is the secondary still a concern, with the depth at corner? (@hallschophouse)

The secondary is forever a concern. Better depth this year, yes, but it’ll be tested again by Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Jordan Love and Jared Goff.

More snaps, Isaac Guerendo or Jordan Mason? (@wojaen19)

The answer is relative to who gets more snaps on special teams, which is where the No. 3 running back must thrive on game days. Neither will get many carries behind McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell if both are healthy. Guerendo’s speed should be ideal as a kick returner under the new format but Mason is well-seasoned on special teams.

Which rookie has the best chance to make an impact in 2024? (@michael_budd)

Renardo Green, if he adapts quickly as a nickel back blanketing slot receivers. Otherwise it’s Ricky Pearsall as the 49ers’ slot receiver blistering nickel backs.

What are the chances the Niners still want to sign safety Justin Simmons? (@ghostof007)

Simmons is among several safeties on the market, and it wouldn’t be whoa-whoa-whoa shocking if the 49ers signed one. However, Talanoa Hufanga is aiming for a Week 1 comeback from knee reconstruction, and Ji’Ayir Brown is embedding himself as a bona fide starter. The Niners need to spend money elsewhere.

When can fans go to training camp? (@49ers_faithful24)

Camp presumably will start July 23 or close to that, but stay tuned on which practices will be open to the public at the 49ers’ close-quarters training facility in Santa Clara. The preseason opens Aug. 10 at the Tennessee Titans, three days after the 49ers typically celebrate Dwight Clark Day.

Why do I invest my emotions year after year?!! (@fireman_391)

Such is what you sign up for as a sports fan and 49ers Faithful. Otherwise, go celebrate your Nvidia stock split.

Do they miss Jimmy G? (@alexiapaterakis)

A few guys were excited he texted them back earlier this offseason, but everyone has moved on – the 49ers happily have Purdy, and the Rams have Garoppolo backing up Stafford.

Which player might be on the bubble for making the 49ers’ opening 53-man roster? (@MrEd315)

Too soon to say. Look more so at the young-versus-old dynamic at such spots as linebacker, cornerback and offensive line.

Some analysts pointed at XFL kick returns, noting the blocking schemes started to look like stretched out versions of outside-zone concepts. Has Shanahan or Foerster observed anything similar and would they consider getting involved in return design? (@PapaStew80)

That remains special teams coordinator Brian Schneider’s domain, and he’s watched a “ton” of XFL film. He and the 49ers (and every team) don’t want to reveal their launch codes until it’s time. Shanahan recently said options abound in the return game: “It’s going to be all types of players. I do think when you eliminate the space and everything that it’ll probably be more big guys and stuff up front on both sides.”

Are y’all getting a new kicker? (@carlos_cd23)

Nope. Jake Moody was the lone kicker through the offseason program and he repeatedly banged through 58-yard attempts to instill further confidence for Year 2.

Do you think the team adds an alternate jersey or helmet this season? (@gilmorekorey)

Have not heard anything, unlike a couple of years ago when a red helmet was rumored. Otherwise they probably would have unveiled at their private State of the Franchise event.

Any assessment of Dee Winters reflecting/contradicting Fred Warner’s press conference statement? (@CAB9731334)

I’d take Fred’s word for it that Winter had an exceptional OTA period. Did I see it? I guess you can see coverage skills in the offseason practices, but let’s see how Winters hits and plays once contact is permitted in camp.

Are the 49ers going to win superbowl? (@carrillomac_9)

They will not win until their fans learn the correct spelling: Super Bowl.

Are we going to be hurt again? (@itsmerobertooo)

Their 2020 team followed up a Super Bowl loss with a rash of serious injuries. There, that should jinx it from happening again this year.