49ers Threaten to Trade Veteran Tackle Trent Williams

The 49ers are open to trading the 3-time All-Pro left tackle if contract dispute continues.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly open to trading veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams if the team is unable to reach a new contract agreement with the 3-time All-Pro. Williams is set to cost $38.8 million against the 49ers' salary cap this upcoming season, but has no guaranteed money remaining on his current deal, meaning the team could cut him without any financial penalties. The 49ers are hoping to work out a new contract that would lower Williams' cap hit and provide him with more guaranteed money.

Why it matters

Trent Williams is a critical piece of the 49ers' offensive line and losing him would be a major blow to their offense, particularly for young quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers are in a tough negotiating position, as they need Williams more than he needs them, but trading him would provide significant salary cap relief.

The details

The 49ers' contract dispute with Williams came to a head just before general manager John Lynch was scheduled to speak to reporters, raising questions about the 'positive' feelings Lynch had previously expressed about the situation. A post-June 1 trade of Williams would save the 49ers about $25.5 million, but the team currently does not have anyone on the roster capable of matching the 38-year-old's production at left tackle.

  • On Feb. 24, a report surfaced about the 49ers and Williams having trouble working on a new deal.
  • The news about the contract uncertainty came out about 90 minutes before general manager John Lynch was scheduled to speak to reporters.

The players

Trent Williams

A 3-time All-Pro offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers who is set to cost $38.8 million against the team's salary cap this upcoming season.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers who expressed 'positive' feelings about the contract situation with Trent Williams.

Brock Purdy

The young quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers who would be significantly impacted by the loss of veteran tackle Trent Williams.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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