The San Francisco 49ers have been making strategic moves in free agency, but one pressing issue looms large: Trent Williams’ contract situation. As the offseason unfolds, the 49ers are navigating the complexities of keeping their star left tackle happy while managing their cap space effectively.
Trent Williams, a 12-time Pro Bowl selection, finds himself at a crossroads with the 49ers. Reports surfaced that San Francisco might consider trading him due to a lack of guaranteed money in his contract. However, the likelihood of Williams leaving seems slim, with both sides likely aiming to keep him in the Bay Area for 2026.
Williams is set to enter unrestricted free agency next offseason, and he's understandably dissatisfied with the current terms for his final year with the team. He’s slated to earn $31 million in 2026, but none of that is guaranteed. A key date is approaching: a $10 million option bonus is set to activate on Friday, spread over this year and three additional void years.
The 49ers are eager to reduce Williams’ $38.8 million cap hit for 2026 and likely want to avoid the bonus payout. Meanwhile, the 38-year-old tackle is seeking more guaranteed money. This makes Friday a critical deadline for both parties to strike a deal.
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell has weighed in with a potential solution. He suggests the 49ers aim to pay Williams closer to the $21.9 million he earned in 2025.
A deal guaranteeing Williams $25 million in 2026 and $30 million in 2027 could be a smart move for a team without a ready replacement for their stalwart left tackle. While Williams might aspire to surpass Rashawn Slater’s $28.5 million average salary, the current market doesn’t support such a deal in free agency.
A $25 million guarantee is significant, especially considering quarterback Brock Purdy’s $46.99 million in guaranteed money for 2026. No other player on the roster is set to receive even $17 million in guarantees. However, as Barnwell points out, this figure is likely less than what Williams could have commanded if released before free agency began, when teams had more budget flexibility.
By waiting until mid-March, the 49ers have effectively limited Williams’ market potential, should he be released. Both sides are aware of this dynamic, which is why Williams pushed for a resolution weeks ago, and why the 49ers now hold leverage.
San Francisco may hesitate to commit such guarantees for 2026 and 2027, but securing Williams for two more years at those terms would validate their patient approach. Williams’ role is crucial to the 49ers’ offensive success, and until they find a long-term successor, maintaining his presence is paramount.
Ultimately, reaching a compromise with Williams is the top priority for the 49ers as they continue to build towards another competitive season.