Trent Williams Isn’t Going Anywhere - And the 49ers Have a Big Offseason Decision to Make
After the 49ers’ Monday night win over the Colts, fans made their feelings loud and clear: they want more Trent Williams. Chants of “one more year” echoed as the All-Pro left tackle joined Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter. Williams didn’t hesitate with his response.
“I’m nowhere near done,” he said. “So we’ve got a few years.
I’m not leaving. I’m not going nowhere.”
That’s exactly what 49ers fans wanted to hear - and frankly, what Kyle Shanahan and the front office have to consider very seriously as they approach a pivotal offseason.
Williams is still under contract through 2026, but here’s the wrinkle: he carries the second-highest cap hit on the team next season, and it’s the final year of his deal in terms of guaranteed money. That puts San Francisco at a crossroads.
Do they extend a 37-year-old tackle playing at an elite level? Or do they make the hard call to move on - either via trade or release - and try to reset that part of the cap?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers could look at an extension, but it wouldn’t come cheap. Even at his age, Williams would still command a market-level deal.
And why not? He’s shown no signs of slowing down.
His footwork, power, and leadership remain top-tier - the kind of traits you don’t just replace with a rookie and hope it sticks.
The decision won’t be easy. But if you ask Williams, he’s not ready to hang it up. And based on how he’s still stonewalling edge rushers every Sunday, he’s got every reason to feel that way.
Cardinals Facing Uncertain Offseason, Especially Around Coaching Staff
In Arizona, the situation is a little murkier. Owner Michael Bidwill has never been known for making rash decisions, and that could play a role in how the Cardinals approach their offseason evaluations - especially when it comes to head coach Jonathan Gannon.
GM Monti Ossenfort and Gannon both have two years left on their contracts, and Bidwill is still paying out the buyout from Kliff Kingsbury’s deal. That financial backdrop matters.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Ossenfort appears to be on solid footing. Gannon?
That’s less certain.
No final decision has been made, but Breer notes that changes to the coaching staff are definitely on the table. It’s not hard to see why. The Cardinals showed flashes of competitiveness this season, but inconsistency and injuries have plagued the roster.
One of those injuries came to standout cornerback Budda Baker, who reported concussion symptoms earlier this week and was placed in protocol. That’s a tough blow for a defense that’s already been stretched thin.
And it doesn’t stop there. CB Garrett Williams is done for the year after tearing his Achilles, and there’s still no clarity on first-round pick Walter Nolen’s knee injury. Head coach Gannon said it’s possible Nolen won’t need surgery, but that’s far from a guarantee.
Arizona’s offseason won’t be defined by splashy moves - at least not yet - but there are real questions about the direction of the coaching staff and how the franchise plans to build around its young core.
Derrick Brown Left Off Pro Bowl Roster, But He’s Not Letting It Slow Him Down
In Carolina, Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown is quietly putting together one of the most impressive comeback seasons in the league - and yet, he won’t be heading to the Pro Bowl.
Despite posting a career-high in sacks and anchoring the Panthers’ defensive front, Brown didn’t get the nod. And yes, he’s frustrated.
“I was disappointed,” Brown said. “Being the competitor I am, definitely want the opportunity to represent my team in the Pro Bowl.”
But Brown didn’t dwell on the snub - he used it as fuel.
“It’s one of those things, I guess my peers and coaches don’t think I’m good enough to be in there,” he said. “So I’ll take that with a grain of salt and just keep working.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from your defensive leader. Brown knows what he brings to the field - physicality, disruption, and a relentless motor. The numbers back it up, and his impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
“I was definitely shocked I didn’t make it,” he added. “I feel like I’m playing good ball coming back off of the injury.
It’s not gonna knock my confidence down any. They still gotta stop that s- on Sundays, so it is what it is.”
Translation: Derrick Brown’s not done proving people wrong. And if his play this season is any indication, the rest of the league might want to take notice.