Coming after a 2019 standoff led to a messy Washington exit, Trent Williams‘ San Francisco years have swung the door wide open for Hall of Fame enshrinement. The perennial Pro Bowl left tackle is not leaving fans in suspense about his 2024 plans, either.
Williams considered retirement after the 2023 season, but the 14th-year blocker has already guaranteed he will be back next season. Williams said he will “100%” play in 2024, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle notes. The contract Williams agreed to in 2021 runs through 2026.
The 2020 trade to the 49ers has rejuvenated Williams, who posted his third straight first-team All-Pro honor this season. Joe Staley‘s left tackle successor now has 11 Pro Bowls, which ties some legendary NFL figures for the tackle record.
Hall of Famers Anthony Muñoz, Jonathan Ogden and Willie Roaf also received 11 such honors. A 12th such nod represents one of the reasons Williams, 35, is committing to returning, with a record 12th invite being “a big thing” for the ex-Washington draftee. While Williams did not play in 2019, he has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past 11 years in which he suited up.
The 49ers went 13-3 in games Brock Purdy started; two of the three losses came with Williams sidelined due to injury. He earned first-team All-Pro honors once again upon return, helping drive the 49ers to a seven-game win streak that secured them the NFC’s No. 1 seed. With the teams perceived all season long as their top NFC threats — Dallas, Philadelphia — eliminated, Williams has his best shot to play in his first Super Bowl.
San Francisco has geared its O-line around Williams, who represents the only expensive piece on this front. The team let five-year right tackle Mike McGlinchey walk in free agency, with Williams and Jake Brendel surrounded by rookie-contract cogs or low-cost veterans. Williams signed a six-year, $138MM deal as a free agent in 2021, exploring the market before agreeing to re-sign with the 49ers. That agreement has been vital for San Francisco, which has turned the 2022 draft’s Mr. Irrelevant into an All-Pro quarterback.
Williams said in September his newfound goal will be to play until his age-40 season, though a proclamation after a 17-game season obviously carries more weight regarding a player’s future. The 2010 first-round pick is tied to a $20.1MM base salary in 2024, but with a cap hit skyrocketing from $12.6MM in 2023 to $31.6MM in ’24, it should be expected the 49ers go with a restructure ahead of Williams’ 15th season.
Excellent LT to have anchor the line. Hated seeing him leave Washington but don’t blame anyone leaving that train wreck of a team ive called my team for years.
Hopefully Washington gets things turned in the right direction finally and SF and Williams reach their goals!
Purdy, CMC, & Deebo should contribute this Trent’s salary lol
Purdy makes peanuts relative almost everybody on his team
Umm brock Purdy is not an all pro quarterback, even though dak proved he should be last week.
Glad Trent will be back.
Yeah pretty sure Purdy was selected as the pro bowl started but snubbed from the all pro teams
He finished just below dak, they were fairly close in second place votes. I think Purdy had one or two first place votes, and dak none
Silverback’s resume is impeccable. Easily one of the best players of his generation. Only missing that one shiny thing to put him over the top when it comes to the all time greats.
Glad he’s found a helmet that fits properly…
An after market equipment shop sounds like a project Antonio Brown should have invested in.
Hope he shuns DC when going into Canton.
This guy is a legit anchor to this offense! When the Niners are clicking, they’re truly unstoppable with all their weapons. They’re a much different team without Trent, this is a huge announcement
I’d love to have him as a bodyguard
When you become a senior citizen you just wish you had a body worth guarding and someone who can get you a good deal on Ensure and Depends.