The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to keep their Super Bowl window alive in 2026, and to do so, they need to continue building their roster while retaining their best players. One issue they have run into this offseason is the contract of All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams. He is one of the best offensive linemen in the league and likely needs a contract restructure to remain with the 49ers for the 2026 season.
Trent Williams Could Be a Cap Casualty to the San Francisco 49ers
Williams is set to have a $39 million cap hit next season, and that is a number the 49ers will have to bring down if they want to have money for other moves. However, talks between the two sides have gotten off to a rocky start this offseason.
The elite player is still fit to play, and he wants to be paid fairly for his skills. However, the 49ers have to do what is best for their franchise’s future, and extending a 37-year-old who will turn 38 in July may be a tough decision.
According to Adam Schefter, Williams and the Niners are struggling to find a contract solution. If the sides are unable to come to a resolution, the 49ers are likely to release Williams.
Schefter wrote on X, “With five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams scheduled to carry a $39 million cap number this season, he and the 49ers currently are struggling to find a contractual solution, per league sources. If the two sides can’t bridge their differences in their standoff, Williams would be expected to join this year’s free-agent class, making him one of the premier players available.”
With five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams scheduled to carry a $39 million cap number this season, he and the 49ers currently are struggling to find a contractual solution, per league sources. If the two sides can’t bridge their differences in their standoff, Williams… pic.twitter.com/gJlCpTHSlz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2026
Before the 2024 season, Williams signed a three-year, $82.66 million restructured contract extension. Now entering the final year of that deal gives the 49ers a potential out, according to Spotrac, even though the team would be forced to eat a little over $34 million in dead cap if he were released.
This potential move is one that no one saw coming, and it would be detrimental to the 49ers’ Super Bowl chances in 2026 if Williams is no longer on the roster. If Williams were to hit free agency, he might be the best player on the market.
Every contending team should check in to see what he’s asking for.
As Williams looks toward the end of his career, you can bet he wants to play on a team that can compete for a Super Bowl. Williams has played in one Super Bowl in his 15-year career, and that was in 2023 when the 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
He is a 12-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. He would be a welcome addition to almost any offensive line, and it will be interesting to see the market he has if/when he becomes a free agent this offseason.
