The Write Zone

The Niners might be losing Trent. Yes, it is nightmare-ish for the hopefuls that want the 49ers to make it all the way to Superbowl LXI. (Hopefuls including me after I got pumped up by Brock Purdy’s immediate “100%” answer to whether the Niners could make it all the way) Let me explain a little bit of what’s going on.

Let’s take a peek back at this man’s impact on the 2025 season- Williams anchored the 49ers’ offensive line with elite run-blocking and pass protection, earning a 91.5 PFF (Pro Football Focus) grade, his 12th straight Pro Bowl nod, and Second-Team All-Pro honors, while providing leadership and consistency at 37, making him arguably the team’s most irreplaceable offensive player.

Unfortunately, he might be getting replaced.

It’s not that his deal is over. Trent Williams is under contract with the San Francisco 49ers through 2026, the final year of his $82.7M extension. He faces a $38.8M cap hit, with talks to restructure, and is set to earn a $22.2M base plus a $10M bonus.

For those of you who relate to me and aren’t math geniuses, I can sum that up simply: It’s a whole lot of money. As in, barring a restructuring, Williams is set to earn $32.2 million in cash before the season ends, while his $38.8 million cap hit continues to loom over the 49ers’ payroll.

A LOT of money.

Here’s their problem- this guy is 37 years old, and even if he is the best LT in football, he’s still going to retire within the next few years. He’s still under contract, so they could pull off a trade to one of these three teams: the Houston Texans, the Baltimore Ravens, and the New York Giants.

If they can’t work out a good deal or agreement, and worst comes to worst, an ideal trade could be sending Trent to the Texans. Texans get Trent, Niners get a second round pick this year and maybe a player like Blake Fisher or possibly Aireontae Ersery.

But Trent leaving could affect Brock Purdy. If Purdy doesn’t have that security in knowing Trent is handling his left side, will that shake him up and make him focus on the defenders more than where the ball is flying? Mr. Irrelevant could have problems regarding that. (Also, if you want to know the origins of that nickname, look at my Daily Kickoff section and find the one titled “Mr. Irrelevant”)

In all, this has created a dilemma for the 49ers. Do they resign him and risk him dropping out and retiring or slowing down? Or do they pull of a deal with a needy team? Right now, with only a handful of days until free agency, things might not be going the way the 49er fans are hoping.

See you at the next snap,

Tatum