San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams made it clear after a Monday night win that he’s got a few years left. Williams has been playing at an elite level this season at the ripe old age of 37.
What Williams is accomplishing this season is far from normal. Yet, there isn’t anything in his play that suggests he’s close to falling off the proverbial cliff.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the 49ers will need to make a decision this offseason about Williams, thanks to his cap hit:
Could one of the greatest left tackles of all time enter free agency in March? Trent Williams is healthy this season, and it’s showing. The 49ers think Williams, 37, is having one of his best months in recent memory. But his massive 2026 cap hit of $38.8 million is approaching. That’s second on the team behind pass rusher Nick Bosa ($42 million), who is 28 and unlikely to go anywhere. Meanwhile, Williams — who’s a 2027 free agent — has said he’s open to playing until age 40. If that’s still the case, the 49ers have a decision to make: Give an elite but aging player a market deal (hint: it’s not a small market), stand pat and ride out the cap hit, or entertain a player release or trade. Williams is a fixture in San Francisco, so perhaps it can work something out. But it’s not lost on the player that this decision is looming and something most likely must be done. Williams’ current contract includes $22.2 million in base salary and a $10 million option bonus due April 1.
The 49ers have always found creative ways to structure their contracts and keep both sides happy. They could theoretically restructure Williams’ deal and continue to kick the can down the road. By doing so, the 49ers would save $15.7 million in 2026, but an additional $25.4 million in 2027 and $26.5 million in 2028. Those final two years are the “ghost” years of Williams’ contract.
Extending Williams would have a similar impact. The team would save $16.8 million against the cap in 2026, and over $42.5 million for the next three years after that.
It’s difficult to envision a 49ers offense without Trent Williams in it. Thanks to the loopholes in the salary cap, the front office can ensure Williams retires a Niner.
