The first week of the NFL season will feature some marquee matchups, including Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets traveling to the West Coast to take on the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”
If enough things go right, particularly for the Jets, it could be a preview of this season’s Super Bowl.
ESPN host Mike Greenberg is well-known as a Jets fan, and with 49ers left tackle Trent Williams holding out because of a contract dispute, he pleaded for the All-Pro to keep sitting out, at least through the opener.
“Under no circumstances do you need to be out there Week 1,” Greenberg said, via ESPN Radio.
“They are screwing you, Trent!”@Espngreeny invites Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams to watch Jets-49ers at his house instead of suiting up for San Francisco 🤣 https://t.co/fE6sRMjd4j pic.twitter.com/GVCJwqAxVe
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) August 28, 2024
Williams is considered the game’s best left tackle, even at age 36, but he has been holding out since the start of training camp because he wants a restructured contract.
The 11-time Pro Bowler has the ability to neutralize opposing pass rushers, and thus New York’s ability to pressure Niners quarterback Brock Purdy would be greatly enhanced if Williams isn’t on the field come Sept. 9.
New York’s defense has plenty of talent, at least on paper, with front-seven stars such as Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams and Jermaine Johnson II.
However, Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick is embroiled in his own contract dispute and recently asked to be traded because he hasn’t been offered the type of extension he has been demanding for months.
The Jets have thus far refused to honor that trade request, but even without Reddick, they should have enough to make things difficult on the 49ers offense, especially if Williams decides not to play.
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Dan Orlovsky Sends Warning To 49ers About Trent Williams