“49ers can live without Brandon Aiyuk”: Colin Cowherd draws parallels between Trent Williams vs star receiver amid holdout

The San Francisco 49ers are in a tricky situation regarding left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Both are looking for new contracts and are holding out from team-related activities.

Aiyuk is holding in, meaning he is still at the team facility but is not participating in any physical activities. Williams, however, is holding out and is not present.

The 49ers are working on deals for their star players and are hopeful they are both signed before the start of the season. Colin Cowherd, host of 'The Herd with Colin Cowherd,' spoke about the team's situation and thinks it needs to prioritize keeping Williams over Aiyuk.

Cowherd said via his show:

"You're seeing some of this with Brandon Aiyuk, terrific receiver. In fact, a couple years ago, I was criticized because I said he was top three or four. He's probably about five but I think he's tremendous. But I don't think he's nearly as valuable as Trent Williams."

"The O left tackle, who is also holding out. They can live without Brandon Aiyuk, if Trent Williams retired today, the Niners are screwed. Because the center right their O line’s not great. So, Trent Williams, way more valuable. then Brandon Aiyuk and I love Aiyuk. I think he's terrific," Cowherd said.

Williams currently has three years left on his current deal, while Aiyuk is on the final deal of his rookie contract.

What would potential contracts look like for Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams?

San Francisco 49ers v Los Angeles Rams - Source: Getty

There's no doubt that Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams will get paid, The questions are, when and who will sign the two?

Both Aiyuk and Williams will get big contracts and will likely become some of the highest-paid players at their positions.

The wide receiver market continues to explode, and this off-season it has exceeded the $30 million range for top receivers. Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, and Tyreek Hill each have signed contract extensions worth more than $30 million annually.

Aiyuk is reportedly seeking a contract worth $28 million per year, which would make him the seventh highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

Williams is currently the fourth-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL, earning $23 million a season. In July, Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw signed a record-breaking four-year extension worth up to $113 million.

Williams has made three First-Team All-Pros in the last three seasons and is looking for at least one more big contract before he retires.