49ers Linked to Blockbuster Trade with Chiefs for 12-Time Pro Bowler

Veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams could be on the move if contract impasse continues in San Francisco.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:40pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football offensive line broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the movement and energy of the line.A cubist interpretation of the 49ers' offensive line, highlighting the importance of elite tackle play in the modern NFL.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers were recently linked to a potential blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Chiefs involving 12-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams. According to reports, the Chiefs are interested in acquiring the 37-year-old Williams if he becomes available, as the 49ers remain in a contract impasse with the veteran lineman.

Why it matters

Williams' elite play has been crucial to the 49ers' success in recent seasons, providing strong pass protection and opening up running lanes. If the 49ers were to trade him, it would be a significant loss for their offense. For the Chiefs, acquiring a player of Williams' caliber could help bolster their offensive line and take their offense to new heights.

The details

Williams finished the 2025-26 season with a 79.9 pass block grade, 92.8 run block grade, and an overall PFF grade of 91.5, which ranked third among offensive tackles. His ability to keep quarterback Brock Purdy upright and create clear running lanes for running back Christian McCaffrey has been invaluable for the 49ers.

  • In March, the 49ers and Williams were linked to a potential blockbuster trade with the Chiefs.
  • On April 6, 2026, NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that the Chiefs remain interested in acquiring Williams if he becomes available.

The players

Trent Williams

A 37-year-old offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times in his career.

Brock Purdy

The starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Christian McCaffrey

The starting running back for the San Francisco 49ers.

Jason La Canfora

An NFL insider who reported on the potential trade between the 49ers and Chiefs.

Kansas City Chiefs

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in acquiring Trent Williams from the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“I continue to hear the Chiefs have a major thing for 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and are ready to pounce if/when he is available in trade. The 49ers remain in a contract impasse with Williams about reworking that date.”

— Jason La Canfora, NFL Insider

What’s next

The 49ers and Williams will need to resolve their contract impasse, and if they are unable to do so, the Chiefs could make a push to acquire the veteran offensive tackle before the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.

The takeaway

This potential trade between the 49ers and Chiefs highlights the importance of elite offensive line play in the NFL. If the 49ers were to trade Williams, it would be a significant loss for their offense, while the Chiefs could bolster their own line by acquiring a player of Williams' caliber.