Free agency is fast approaching, and an unexpected player could enter the market: Trent Williams, the star left tackle of the San Francisco 49ers. Over the past six seasons, Williams has established himself as a top player in the league, securing five Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors, which highlights his consistent performance at the left tackle position.
As he heads into his age-38 season, Williams is still playing at a high level. He has one year remaining on his three-year, $82.66 million contract signed in 2024. However, his cap hit for the 2026 season stands at a substantial $38.8 million, which accounts for almost 13 percent of the team’s total cap. Reports indicate that the 49ers and Williams have been unable to agree on a restructuring that would lower his cap hit, paving the way for his potential entry into free agency.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that if the two parties cannot resolve their differences, Williams would likely become one of the most sought-after players in this year’s free-agent class. Given that he is entering the final year of his contract, it’s reasonable for Williams to pursue a one- or two-year extension for added security, while it would benefit the 49ers to find a way to reduce this year’s cap number to provide flexibility for strengthening their roster.
Should Williams leave, it would be a significant blow for the 49ers, especially as the team currently lacks an immediate replacement for him at left tackle. Additionally, the financial implications of releasing Williams are substantial. If he were to be let go before June 1st, the team would incur a dead cap hit of $34.2 million. This figure would decrease to $13.3 million if he were designated as a post-June 1st release, with remaining dead money carrying over to the following year.
The urgency remains for the 49ers to negotiate a solution before the start of free agency, which is merely weeks away. With an average annual salary of $27.5 million, Williams ranks fourth among tackles in the NFL, trailing behind Rashawn Slater, Tristan Wirfs, and Penei Sewell. As negotiations continue, fans hope that the organization can retain such a prominent player and maintain the strength of their roster heading into the upcoming season.