The 49ers may be set at left tackle for a few more years following Trent Williams' most recent post-game announcement.
The San Francisco 49ers might not be rushing to solve the left tackle position after all.
Trent Williams made that much clear Monday night, delivering a message that resonated far louder than any stat line or postgame breakdown.
After San Francisco’s dominant 48–27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, Williams joined Scott Van Pelt for a postgame interview.
As the conversation wrapped up, chants of “one more year” poured in from the stands, reflecting the growing concern among fans that the franchise cornerstone could be nearing retirement. Williams wasted no time putting that fear to rest.
“I ain’t nowhere near done,” he said. “We got a few more years.”
At 37, Williams continues to play at a level few offensive linemen, at any age, can match.
According to Pro Football Focus, his 91.5 offensive grade ranks third among all NFL linemen this season, trailing only Penei Sewell and Tristan Wirfs.
It also marks the fifth time in the past six seasons Williams has posted a grade of at least 91.5.
His dominance in the run game remains especially apparent, with a 92.8 run-blocking grade that represents his best mark since 2021.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that the 49ers believe Williams is in the midst of one of his strongest stretches in recent memory. That belief has been reinforced by his availability.
After a 2024 season limited by injury, in which he started only 10 games, Williams has been a consistent presence in 2025, starting all 15 games so far.
His discipline has also improved, with a reduction in penalties from nine in 2023 to four.
While Williams has allowed four sacks this season, an uptick compared to recent years, his overall impact hasn’t diminished.
When San Francisco’s running backs follow Williams to the edge, the offense still finds daylight, and the 49ers’ ground game remains one of the league’s most feared weapons.
Financial questions still loom. Williams is under contract through 2027, but his $38.8 million cap hit in 2026 is second on the team, only to Nick Bosa.
Eventually, the 49ers will have to choose between extending Williams, absorbing the cap hit, restructuring his deal, or exploring a more drastic move.
Any restructure would spread the money out but require committing significant resources to a player nearing 40.
Adding to the complexity, San Francisco has yet to identify a clear successor, having avoided spending premium draft capital on a tackle.
Williams’ confidence and continued excellence buy the franchise something invaluable: time.
For now, the message is unmistakable.
Trent Williams isn’t planning an exit, and the 49ers’ left side remains locked down, for longer than many expected.