A generational left tackle could be available this offseason.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the San Francisco 49ers and Trent Williams “are struggling to find a contractual solution” since he is scheduled to carry a $39 million cap hit in 2026.
“If the two sides can’t bridge their differences in their standoff, Williams would be expected to join this year’s free-agent class,” Schefter wrote.
While Williams will be 38 years old next season, he remains one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
He made his 12th career Pro Bowl and was named to the All-Pro Second Team during the 2025 campaign while appearing in 16 games. He also made the All-Pro First Team in three consecutive seasons from 2021 through 2023.
Williams started his career in Washington but has been a force for the 49ers since the 2020 campaign. His six seasons with the team include five Pro Bowl selections after he was selected to the Pro Bowl seven straight times in Washington.
It is difficult to envision the 49ers offensive without Williams seeing how important he has been to their overall success.
That success includes four playoff appearances, one Super Bowl appearance and three NFC Championship Game appearances, although a Lombardi Trophy remains the one thing missing from his illustrious resume.
The 49ers are coming off another playoff appearance despite dealing with a number of injuries during the 2025 campaign, so staying with the NFC West team could give him another opportunity to realistically pursue that Super Bowl title.
But first he and the club have to figure out some type of solution to the contract situation that is now looming over the early portion of the offseason.
