The San Francisco 49ers are one win away from winning the Super Bowl, cementing their status as the best team in the NFL. As 49ers players prepare for their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, one veteran has addressed rumors of potentially retiring.
Trent Williams, who was traded to San Francisco in 2020, is entering the final game of his age-35 season. With over 170 career starts, the 6-foot-5 offensive lineman has played through a myriad of injuries and even overcame a cancer scare in 2019.
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Widely viewed as a future Hall of Famer, the 11-time Pro Bowl selection already has a resume worthy of enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. However, one thing missing from Williams’ career accolades is a Super Bowl ring. Regardless of what happens in Super Bowl LVIII, it appears Williams’ decision on his future is final.
Speaking to reporters for the final time this week, Williams revealed that he has already made up his mind and it won’t change even if. he hoists the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday.
“I haven’t thought about the end, so I know I’m definitely in for the next couple of years, Winning on Sunday will only make me want to win another one next year. When you can achieve something that feels this good, you kind of get addicted to it, right? You want to achieve that award again. So I think that it will only make me want it more.”
San Francisco 49ers OT Trent Williams on his future (H/T NBC Sports Bay Area)
Turning 36 in July, Williams seems committed to the 49ers through the next two seasons at the very least. Considering the structure of his contract, it’s very possible he finishes out the deal and then makes a decision on retirement following his age-38 season.
- Trent Williams contract: $31.524 million cap hit in 2024, $34.107 million cap hit in 2025, $37.797 million cap hit in 2026. NFL free agent in 2027
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Even at age 35, Williams remains one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL today. In the regular season, he finished with the highest ESPN pass-block win rate (96 percent) and he earned first-team AllPro honors for the third consecutive season. With Williams committed to playing in 2024, it eliminates one potential offseason need for San Francisco.
