San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams
Getty
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams
With quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, defensive end Nick Bosa, and linebacker Fred Warner all in their primes, the San Francisco 49ers are considered a potential Super Bowl contender in 2026.
But one player who still performs at a high level but whose definitely past his prime at age 37 is offensive tackle Trent Williams.
A 12-time Pro Bowler and 5-time All-Pro, Williams is still one of the best left tackles in the league. But injuries have seemed to catch up to him in the last few years, and nearing age 40, many have wondered how many more years Williams actually has left.
49ers May Draft Trent Williams’ Heir Apparent
Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu
GettyUtah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu
The 49ers have made it clear they want to keep Williams around as long as he wants, but the two sides are have difficulty reaching an agreement on a new contract.
While those close to the team feel Williams’ contract situation will eventually work itself out, it would behoove the 49ers to start planning for his eventual exit, which is why ESPN draft expert Matt Miller believes San Francisco should use its first-round pick on Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
“I feel like I predict that the 49ers will draft their offensive tackle of the future every year, yet they never do,” Miller wrote. “Considering that All-Pro Trent Williams will be 38 and is in the midst of a contract impasse, this would be a good time for San Francisco to finally make that pick.
“Lomu started at left tackle during the past two seasons, allowing only three sacks (all in 2024). He plays with the agility and balance needed for the 49ers’ offensive scheme.”
A first-team All-Big 12 selection, Lomu was one of the top left tackles in college football last season. He surrendered zero sacks and allowed just 8 pressures, 6 hurries, and 2 QB hits on 800 offensive snaps.
At 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, Lomu also has the prototypical size to replace the hulking 6-foot-5, 320-pound Williams.
Where Do Things Stand Between 49ers, Williams?
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams
GettySan Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams
The offseason began with the 49ers and Williams far apart in negotiations.
However, general manager John Lynch provided a more optimistic update on Monday morning about where the team is in regard to getting Williams signed.
“We’ve had good communication throughout,” Lynch said. “I would say in the last week it’s kind of intensified and feel like we’re on the precipice of something good happening, but we’ll see. Don’t want to make any statements that, like, ‘Hey, we’re right there,’ because these things have felt like that before, but I do feel like we’re in good communication and hopeful.”
The 49ers declined a $10 million option bonus on Williams back on March 20, and since then, talks have intensified.
Williams currently has no guaranteed money on his contract with a $47 million cap number heading into next season. The goal all along has seemed to be giving Williams a reworked short-term deal that gives him some guaranteed money and gives the team some salary cap flexibility for 2026.