Even at 36, the blindside protector is still the NFL’s best tackle, with exceptional size and athleticism that few can match.

Williams stayed away from training camp and preseason, racking up millions in fines while pursuing a new contract. The 11-time Pro Bowler had three years left on his contract but no guaranteed dollars. Williams also saw three younger and less accomplished tackles — Tristan Wirfs, Penei Sewell and Christian Darrisaw — significantly exceed his average contract salary of $23.01 million per year this offseason.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan said nearly two weeks ago that he hoped the teams were getting closer to a solution. Now, just before the start of the season, we are on the brink.

Questions swirled around San Francisco during the offseason about whether the Niners would keep their core together as Williams and Brandon Aiyuk held out. Unless everything falls apart at the last minute, the 49ers will indeed resolve both issues before the season. Maybe it’s later than fans had hoped — as seems to be the club’s modus operandi — but the main goal was always to get everyone on the field in Week 1.