First off, it's worth noting that Bleacher Report's Chris Roling lists Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes among the crop of 2021 free agents most likely to be overpaid next offseason. How could that be relevant to San Francisco 49ers fans? Roling lists the Niners as potential suitors.
It is worth noting that this is likely based purely on speculation and not any insider knowledge surrounding the team's thinking. Still, San Francisco doesn't have a cornerback signed beyond this season. Not one. So, expect San Francisco to be linked to several defensive backs during the upcoming offseason, including its own.
Also on Roling's list is offensive tackle Trent Williams, whom the 49ers acquired in April via a trade. He is expected to receive a big payday after this season.
"He has played at an elite level after a year off the field, posting an 89.7 PFF grade with just four sacks surrendered over 604 snaps," wrote Roling. "The 32-year-old veteran ranks 19th among offensive linemen in average annual salary this season, and to say that's going to change is a dramatic understatement. Quality offensive linemen are hard to find, and that's especially the case with left tackles."
The 49ers' head coach recently discussed Williams' potential future with the team.
"I mean, Trent knows how I feel about him, how our whole team feels about him," Kyle Shanahan said last week, "and I think Trent feels the same. So, hopefully, it makes sense for him to stay here. I know it makes sense for us."
The 49ers can't use the franchise tag on Williams. According to a report from ESPN, the offensive lineman's reworked contract with San Francisco forbids it. That means the Niners may find themselves amidst a bidding war for Williams' services if they choose to try to retain him.
Adds Roling: "It isn't hard to see him approaching first place on the aforementioned list and falling in the $23 million range."