News, notes and reader questions about the San Francisco 49ers

Back to 49ers Blog and Q&A home page

July 28, 2007

Waiting on Willis

Everyone waiting on Patrick Willis to sign his contract with the 49ers might have to hold their breath a little longer. As of this afternoon, the two sides weren't close. Will he be a no-show for the first practice of training camp? Not sure -- there's still plenty of time to negotiate. The first practice isn't until 1:30 p.m. and the two sides are talking as a I type.

Here's what Mike Nolan had to say about the situation: "I am not a percentage guy as to how close we are, but we continue to talk. The contract will be worked out as expeditiously as possible. I know Patrick is working hard and getting a grasp of our system. Patrick will be a 49er. He will get great coaching, and he will be a San Francisco 49er for a long time."

It's hard to say why the negotiations are dragging on. The players on either side of Willis in the draft, Amobi Okoye and Marshawn Lynch, both have deals in place. In the end, it may be something where Willis comes running onto the field seconds into the first practice. Stay tuned.

-Matthew Barrows

Posted by Bill Bradley at 8:27 PM | Comments |