Andrew Buller-Russ
The NFL is inching closer and closer to free agency, which is causing some early movement around the league. That includes the San Francisco 49ers, who could be nearing a decision to move on from one of their longest-tenured players.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 49ers and franchise left tackle Trent Williams have entered a contract stalemate. The 49ers want him to play at a lower cap number, but agreeing on value has been tough to do. If a contract resolution can’t be met, then the 49ers could end up just releasing Williams.
“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,” Schefter wrote. “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.”
Williams will turn 38 before next season starts, but he’s also been consistent. He started all 16 games this season and was still named as a second-team All-Pro selection while earning a trip to the Pro Bowl for the 12th time in his career.
If the 49ers can’t see eye-to-eye on contract value with Williams, another contender will gladly add him into the mix at a rate he feels is more fair.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Could Be Ready to Trade Pro Bowl Player
