It appears as if the San Francisco 49ers are beyond the worst of their standoff against All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and the contractual back-and-forth that has become regular franchise news since the NFL Combine just over a month ago.
At least that's what general manager John Lynch made it sound like.
Speaking from the annual NFL meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend, Lynch indicated "hopeful momentum" in talks with the future Hall of Famer.
"We've had good communication throughout," Lynch said, via ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "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."
This stands in contrast to earlier reports from people outside the building, indicating little progress (if any) had been made between Williams and the Niners on the contractual front.
Williams, who'll turn 38 years old this summer and has one year remaining on his current deal, wants guaranteed money on his existing contract. San Francisco, meanwhile, wants to lower his cap hit for 2026, which is just over $46 million after opting not to pay out his $10 million option bonus by the March 20 deadline.
Are John Lynch's words about Trent Williams to be taken literally?
Lynch has expressed optimism about situations before, only to take a complete 180 when things have deteriorated beyond repair. The 49ers' relationship with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is a perfect example.
The GM obviously wouldn't express serious doubt about the impasse being breached at this point. It'd do little good, showcasing the Niners as being inable to strike a deal with Williams and thereby lessening his trade value to the rest of the league, should San Francisco seek to move him amid such an impasse.
At the same time, San Francisco gains little by saying nothing more than the proverbial "discussions are ongoing," meaning any indication by Lynch with regard to Williams talks being positive is probably a good sign.
As was the case before, the 49ers' hand likely gets revealed on the first night of the NFL Draft on April 23 when the decision to grab a franchise-type left tackle (or someone else) would all but point in the direction of Williams' immediate future in the Bay