Recent reports have suggested the possibility of a trade — or even a release — if the two sides cannot reach agreement on a new contract.
Williams is scheduled to count nearly $39 million against the salary cap in 2026, a number the 49ers would prefer to reduce. However, the veteran offensive lineman also understands his value, creating a potential standoff between the two sides.
Appearing Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter said he does not expect San Francisco to actually trade Williams. One can assume that also means he doesn't expect the team to release the player, a scenario that has always seemed unrealistic.
Schefter indicated that the recent trade chatter may stem from the 49ers allowing Williams' representatives to gauge his value around the NFL. At the same time, the team would want appropriate compensation — like, say, a first-round draft pick — if a deal were ever considered.
"But the 49ers aren't shopping him, and he's not expected to be traded," Schefter said. "Now, could something materialize? Sure, something always could. But I don't think that's probably a realistic option, and it's more along the lines of them placating him, saying, 'Go ahead and see if you could find somebody willing to pay you that,' and take care of them (via draft compensation) at the same time. That's a tough double-header to satisfy."
Williams will turn 38 before the 2026 season, but he remains one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL. Replacing a player of his caliber would be extremely difficult for the 49ers — something both sides are well aware of as the complicated negotiations continue.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Schefter on 49ers TE George Kittle's Week 1 return: 'I don't think it's a given'
All signs continue to point toward San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle achieving his goal of returning for Week 1 of the 2026 season, when the 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Kittle is just six months removed from suffering a torn Achilles during San... -
49ers' Trent Williams embraces final NFL chapter, savoring every training camp moment
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams made it clear that his current contract, which runs through the 2027 season, will likely be the final deal of his illustrious NFL career. Speaking to reporters after the 49ers' first training camp practice on Sunday, Williams was... -
49ers' Trent Williams, Fred Warner amazed by Nick Bosa's recovery after ACL injury
For the second time in his NFL career, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa had his season cut short by an ACL injury. The latest setback occurred in Week 3 of the 2025 season. The good news is that the timing of the injury allowed Bosa ample time to recover and prepare... -
Only three 49ers would fetch a first-round pick in trade, says ESPN analyst
The San Francisco 49ers are widely regarded as one of the NFL's most talented teams. However, questions remain about the aging core of the roster and the team's recent injury history. Despite losing several key contributors to injuries last season, the 49ers still reached the...