Cap tensions strain 49ers' star left tackle's future. Can they afford to keep their elite blind-side protector as negotiations stall?
Free agency is approaching quickly, and the San Francisco 49ers could be staring at an offseason scenario few expected just months ago.
Star left tackle Trent Williams may not be a lock to return in 2026.
Williams has been the anchor of San Francisco’s offensive line since arriving in 2020. Over six seasons, he’s earned five Pro Bowl selections, multiple First-Team All-Pro honors, and cemented himself as one of the most dominant left tackles of his era. Even entering his late 30s, he continues to perform at a high level when healthy.
But performance isn’t the issue.
The contract is.
The $38 Million Problem
Williams is set to carry a cap hit of roughly $38.8 million in 2026 which is nearly 13 percent of the projected salary cap.
That’s a massive number for any player, even one as accomplished as Williams.
With one year remaining on the three-year, $82.66 million deal he signed in 2024, the logical solution would seem simple, just restructure or extend. Lower the immediate cap hit, spread money into future seasons, and keep your franchise left tackle in place.
However, reports indicate the two sides have struggled to find common ground on a revised agreement.
If they cannot bridge the gap, Williams could unexpectedly enter free agency.
Why an Extension Makes Sense For Both Sides
From Williams’ perspective, security matters.
At age 38, this could realistically be his final major contract. Adding one or two years to his deal would provide financial certainty while rewarding sustained elite play.
From the 49ers’ perspective, lowering the 2026 cap number is critical. The team has other roster needs to address. On paper, the goals align but in practice, the negotiation appears more complicated.
The Cost of Letting Him Walk
Releasing Williams wouldn’t provide clean relief.
If the 49ers move on before June 1, they would absorb a massive dead cap charge north of $30 million. A post June 1 designation would ease the immediate hit but push significant dead money into 2027.
Financially, it’s messy.
Competitively, it’s worse.
San Francisco does not have an obvious successor at left tackle. There’s no heir waiting in the wings. Losing Williams without a clear replacement plan would create a glaring weakness protecting the blind side, which is always a dangerous gamble.
Where He Stands Among His Peers
Williams’ $27.5 million average annual salary currently places him among the highest-paid tackles in football only behind Rashawn Slater, Tristan Wirfs, and Penei Sewell.
Unlike those players, however, Williams is nearing the end of his career rather than the beginning and that seems to be the tension.
A Ticking Clock
There is still time before free agency officially opens.
Deals like this often go down to the wire before a compromise is reached. The 49ers would prefer to keep their All-Pro protector in place. Williams likely prefers to finish his career in San Francisco.
With the 49ers, the offseason rarely lacks drama.
And this year, it may revolve around the most important position on the offensive line.