San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is under contract through the 2027 season and has acknowledged that this will likely be the final deal of his NFL career. If that's the case, the 49ers can expect at least two more seasons of elite blindside protection for franchise quarterback Brock Purdy.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top offensive tackles. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, reflecting the league's top players entering the 2026 season rather than their career accomplishments.
Williams checked in at No. 2, climbing two spots from last year's rankings.
Only Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions ranks higher.
"Williams is strengthening his Hall of Fame résumé with strong play into his late 30s," Fowler wrote. "It's hard to knock his game. He finished the 2025 season with a 92.2% pass block win rate, and his run block win rate of 79.5% was best among the top-10 group and sixth overall for tackles."
The advanced metrics back up Williams' standing among the NFL's elite—even as he inches closer to turning 38. According to Pro Football Focus, the 49ers star earned an overall offensive grade of 91.5 and a run-blocking grade of 92.8 in 2025—his highest marks over the past three seasons. He has also posted a pass-blocking grade of at least 79.8 in each of the last three years.
"At this stage, it takes him a while to get going early in the season, but he's still producing at a high level," an NFL coordinator told Fowler.
Fowler noted that several NFL scouts believe Williams is no longer the league's best because of his age. One coach, however, strongly disagreed.
"I don't see a lot of drop-off -- he still operates without the need for any help in pass protection, he still mauls people, he's still got light feet for his size, still has the capacity to dominate," an NFL coordinator said.
The 49ers' long-term plan at left tackle beyond 2027 remains uncertain. For now, though, they continue to rely on one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen—and a player who appears well on his way to a future Hall of Fame induction.
ESPN's offensive tackle ranking:
- Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions
- Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
- Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles
- Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders
- Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears
- Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
- Andrew Thomas, New York Giants
- Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
- Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos
Mentioned in this article: Brock Purdy, Trent Williams
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