Option bonus bypassed, but Trent Williams stays a Niner. Contract rework looms to balance salary cap and player security.
The San Francisco 49ers made a notable financial decision this week regarding left tackle Trent Williams, opting not to exercise his $10 million option bonus ahead of the deadline. But despite how it may look on the surface, the move does not signal the end of Williams’ time in San Francisco.
Williams remains under contract for the 2026 season, and the $10 million tied to the option bonus doesn’t disappear, it just converted into base salary. As a result, his base salary jumps from $22.12 million to $32.12 million, significantly increasing his overall cap hit for the upcoming season. This decision also impacts how the money is distributed against the salary cap.
Had the 49ers exercised the option, the $10 million would have been prorated over multiple years. Instead, the full amount now counts toward 2026, pushing Williams’ cap hit to roughly $46–47 million. It’s a sizable number, but one the organization appears comfortable managing in the short term.
According to Adam Schefter, the 49ers are “not overly concerned” about the increased cap figure and still plan to rework Williams’ contract before the NFL Draft. That aligns with the team’s broader approach this offseason. Both sides are working toward a revised deal that would likely lower Williams’ cap hit while providing him with more guaranteed money which appears to be the central issue in the current standoff. With just one year remaining on his contract, Williams is understandably seeking additional security as he enters his age-38 season.
From the team’s perspective, there’s also urgency to find a solution. General manager John Lynch struck an optimistic tone earlier this offseason when discussing the situation, emphasizing the mutual interest in keeping Williams in San Francisco. “Here’s what I know,” Lynch said. “Trent loves being a Niner, we love having Trent as a Niner and it’s up to us to figure that out and to thread that needle.” That sentiment reflects the reality of Williams’ importance to the roster.
Even at this stage of his career, he continues to perform at an elite level. His 91.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025 ranked among the top offensive linemen in the league, and he remains one of the most dominant run blockers in football. While there were slight signs of decline in pass protection, his overall impact is still undeniable. At the same time, the 49ers lack a clear long term successor at left tackle.
San Francisco added Vederian Lowe in free agency to provide depth, and Austen Pleasants remains a developmental option, but neither profiles as a future replacement for a player of Williams’ caliber. That reality only strengthens Williams’ leverage in negotiations.
Looking ahead, the NFL Draft could play a role in how this situation unfolds. The 49ers hold the No. 27 overall pick and may consider investing in an offensive tackle for the future. Still, any rookie would likely be viewed as a long term project rather than an immediate replacement.
For now, the focus remains on finding common ground. The 49ers have created short term cap flexibility with this move, even if it comes with a higher 2026 cap hit. And with both sides motivated to reach an agreement, a restructured deal before the draft continues to feel like the most likely outcome. Until then Trent Williams isn’t going anywhere just yet.