John Lynch is optimistic about two of the Niners’ key players.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch is hopeful they are “on the precipice of something good” in contract talks with left tackle Trent Williams and is optimistic star tight end George Kittle could be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
An impasse between the 49ers and the 12-time Pro Bowler had led to reports that San Francisco was open to trading the future Hall of Famer.
The Niners are keen to lower the amount due to the 37-year-old in 2026, the final year of a contract that features no guaranteed money.
After declining to exercise a $10million option bonus earlier this month, the 49ers owe Williams a $32.2m base salary for 2026, with his salary cap number for the year standing at $46.3m.
But speaking at the NFL owners’ meetings in Phoenix, Lynch indicated a deal that satisfies both sides is on the horizon.
“We’ve had good communication throughout,” Lynch said. “I would say in the last week it’s kind of intensified and feel like we’re on the precipice of something good happening, but we’ll see.
“Don’t want to make any statements that, like, ‘Hey, we’re right there,’ because these things have felt like that before, but I do feel like we’re in good communication and hopeful.”
The 49ers have had a history of protracted contract sagas in recent years, including one with Williams in 2024, but Lynch insisted that these discussions have at no point become strained.
“This one’s never got ugly,” Lynch added. “It’s been very straightforward, direct. And I just think there’s a lot of nuance to that situation.
“He’s one of the great players, I think, to ever play the game, but there’s a reality with his age. It’s like, how do you thread that needle and how do you find a deal where everyone’s taken care of and happy?”
49ers hopeful of remarkable Kittle recovery
It has always seemed likely that the 49ers would find a resolution with Williams given his importance to their offense.
More surprising were the comments from Lynch on seven-time Pro Bowl tight end Kittle.
Kittle tore his Achilles in the 49ers’ Wild Card Round win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January.
A return to high impact sports can take anywhere from four to 12 months following such an injury. The 49ers will open their training camp in July, with their season opener taking place in Melbourne, Australia against the Los Angeles Rams on September 12.
Kittle was recently seen playing golf without a walking boot, and Lynch suggested an extremely quick recovery is a possibility.
“We’re hopeful for Week 1,” Lynch said. “There’ll be some management during training camp. He’s progressing at a good rate.”
