When San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke earlier in the week, one of the questions he answered was about the team’s plan this offseason. After a long-winded answer, Lynch said, “We will have a little more flexibility this year, and we’re excited about that.”
The 49ers could theoretically gain more salary cap space from Brandon Aiyuk’s contract, depending on how that plays out. But there is a more obvious answer for creating cap space, and something the 49ers do annually.
During the
season, star left tackle Trent Williams hinted at wanting to play in the NFL into his 40s. If Williams’ 2025 play was any indication, that won’t be an issue for one of the best players in the league at left tackle.
Williams enters the final year of his deal in 2026. Ahead of the NFL Draft, we’re likely to read a mock draft a week about how the 49ers should prepare for life after Williams. The counter to that should be, why would the Niners want to move on from one of the best ever to do it, especially when there have been no signs of decline?
According to Over the Cap, the Niners could extend Williams, and by doing so, create $16.8 million in cap space for 2026. That’s a no-brainer. That money will allow the team to make a splash trade or sign a player in free agency.
That includes star players like A.J. Brown or Maxx Crosby. If the team elects to go the mid-tier route, a Williams extension could allow them to add multiple depth pieces or a pair of mid-level starters.
Extending Williams helps the 49ers on multiple fronts, from keeping an All-Pro and the continuity along the offensive line —they’ll likely need a starter at left guard, and who better to play next to than Williams? Then, you have the salary cap relief.
