The San Francisco 49ers hit an insanely rough patch of defensive line injuries in 2025. Mykel Williams flashed during his first season, especially in the first two weeks of the season when the line was healthy with Nick Bosa and Bryce Huff cleaning up on third down. Mykel’s ability on the outside and as a defensive tackle makes him a valuable chess piece and the future cornerstone of the 49ers’ defensive line. Unfortunately, MetLife Stadium’s turf ended his season, and the rookie from Georgia tore
his ACL. 2026 is a fresh start for the second-year player, and Raheem Morris will count on Williams to anchor the third-down pass rush and help fortify the 49ers’ run defense.
Basic Info
Age: 22
Experience: 1 accrued season
Height: 6’5
Weight: 265 pounds
Cap Status
Williams’ total contract value is $24,943,354 ($6,235,839 APY), which is guaranteed as a high first-round pick with the fifth-year option available. Williams takes up 1.6% of the 49ers’ salary cap in 2026, and the number never rises above 2.2%, which is in the fourth year of the deal in 2028.
How does Mykel fit with the defensive line upgrades?
With the addition of Osa Odighizuwa, one could make an assumption that the 49ers aren’t just betting on Williams to break out in year two, but that’s not the case. The 49ers’ pass rush was so anemic last season that adding a veteran defensive tackle with pass-rushing ability, with several defensive line draft picks or additions, just made sense. Bosa, Osa, Williams, and a combination of Romello Height, Keion White, or possibly a veteran EDGE rusher addition will be Morris’ version of Robert Saleh’s “Nascar” or “Turbo” package.
As long as Williams continues to set the edge facing the run, the rest of his game will be unlocked under Morris, and with Odighizuwa rushing the passer next to him on third downs.
What are realistic expectations for Williams in 2026?
The one thing we knew about Williams was his ability to slow down the run. That was evident in 2025, but the 49ers need his pass-rushing ability to take a jump. The flashes were there, but Williams needs to consistently be able to get after the quarterback in 2026. Any jump from Williams makes the 49ers’ pass rush downright scary. The realistic expectation should include some grace since the former Georgia EDGE rusher is recovering from an ACL injury. Perhaps Williams could start slow, but with how difficult the 49ers’ schedule gets down the stretch, a late-season charge would send Williams’ optimism to the moon in 2027.
