Still, it twists the Trent Williams transaction in a different way. Williams and Aiyuk are both seeking new contracts, which the 49ers must deal with. The former is only getting started in his prime. The latter has not shown any signs of slowing down and is among the league’s finest offensive tackles, if not the greatest.
For Williams, the Hill transaction can have a significant impact, even as it does not for Aiyuk. The 49ers might get some ideas from it as well. The contract details (void years, roster bonus, etc.) have not yet been released as of this writing; this is something to keep an eye on in order to understand how the arrangement is structured. While some could argue that this is more evidence that the 49ers will select Williams over Aiyuk, ignore Aiyuk and consider the possibility that the 49ers could analyze this agreement.
Williams’ contract is set to expire in three years. That is comparable to the Hill extension’s circumstances. This was also noted by David Lombardi of The Athletic, who said that the 49ers may be able to retain Williams by using the terms of the pact.
You may cringe at the thought of signing another wide receiver contract, but relax. This is an extension, and unlike all the other agreements that *had* to happen this offseason, it should not cause a huge stir in the market. The 49ers might be able to replicate this arrangement in order to hold onto Trent Williams.