It’s almost six years to the date that the San Francisco 49ers traded for offensive tackle Trent Williams from Washington during the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jump ahead to the current day, and it was announced that Williams signed a contract extension to remain with the team. Here’s how the NFL world is reacting to the news.
Trent Williams to Remain with the San Francisco 49ers
Since joining the 49ers in 2020, Williams has consistently been one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. On PFSN’s Player Offensive Line Impact Metric, he has had an average impact score of 91.8 from 2020 to 2025.
Last season, he finished ranked eighth among linemen with an impact score of 89.1 and a letter grade of B+, but his highest-rated season was 2022, when he finished ranked second with an impact score of 94.6 and a letter grade of A.
Today, NFL Insider Adam Schefter posted, “49ers and 12-time Pro-Bowl LT Trent Williams reached agreement today on a two-year, $50 million extension that now contractually ties him to San Francisco through the 2027 season.”
49ers and 12-time Pro-Bowl LT Trent Williams reached agreement today on a two-year, $50 million extension that now contractually ties him to San Francisco through the 2027 season, per @eliteloyaltysp. pic.twitter.com/jTFDgOYyt0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2026
In response to the extension, 49ers podcaster John Chapman posted, “Yeah the 49ers aren’t drafting a tackle early. Glad this got done before the draft!”
Seattle Seahawks podcaster and NFL media personality Brian Nemhauser posted, “Part of the oldest offense in the NFL, Williams and the 49ers can’t quit each other.”
Part of the oldest offense in the NFL, Williams and the 49ers can’t quit each other. https://t.co/1JTKyRtlXO
— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) April 20, 2026
Sportscaster Chick Hernandez followed up by talking about the character of Williams, posting, “One of the baddest dudes in the game.”
One of the baddest dudes in the game. https://t.co/hTAO7tqt5J
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) April 20, 2026
49ers fan and show host Vish Kumaran goes more in-depth about the logistics of the deal. “Was never worried about this not getting done, but shocked it happened so early,” Kumaran wrote. “Funny that every reporter has been mocking OT and not indicating that the deal was close. Either way, good for the Niners. The odds of getting even a good starter at left tackle at 27 are low.”
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Football analyst Warren Sharp shared more about where Williams ranks among linemen, posting:
Trent Williams grades by year:
#3 of 89 OTs in 2025
#6 of 81 OTs in 2024
#2 of 84 OTs in 2023
#1 of 81 OTs in 2022
#1 of 85 OTs in 2021
#1 of 83 OTs in 2020the single most dominant left tackle in the NFL for years https://t.co/LWG21XnYgV
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 20, 2026
“What an offseason,” BayAreaTrev wrote on X. “Need a strong draft class still though.”
Philadelphia Eagles personality Tom Stakes said the two sides had no choice but to get a deal done. He posted, “Hands were tied…had no choice.”
Williams plays such an integral part in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, so it was a no-brainer for either side to get a deal done. As previously mentioned, the team was mocked to land an impact starting tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft, but now their whole strategy might change with the retention of Williams.
