The San Francisco 49ers had a positive development when wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk attended the team’s preseason finale amid his contract negotiations, but stalwart left tackle Trent Williams remains away from the team while he awaits a new deal.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that sources said Williams “wants to be ‘paid-paid’ like the very important piece he is.”

Williams has skipped the entirety of San Francisco’s offseason program, including mandatory minicamp, training camp and the entire preseason. The three-time first-team All-Pro is seeking a contract adjustment from the $20.1 million he’s set to make this year, as his $22.5 million and $32.2 million salaries for 2025 and 2026, respectively, are not guaranteed. There are indications that he’s willing to hold out for however long it takes for his demands to be reached.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday’s episode of SportsCenter that Williams is prepared to miss regular-season games, if necessary.

“He is not going to be available until he gets his contract adjusted,” Fowler said. “He’s trying to stay away from the team [and] is not overly stressed to have to be out there right now.”

An 11-time Pro Bowler, Williams has long been one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. He helped pave the way for 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey’s exceptional 2023 campaign that ended with the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. He was the key protector of quarterback Brock Purdy as San Francisco made a run to Super Bowl LVIII, where it lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Without Williams, the 49ers will have some trouble holding their position in the competitive NFC, so it’s imperative that the team gets him back into the fold before its season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 9.