In April, the San Francisco 49ers traded for offensive tackle Trent Williams with the hope that he could anchor the left side of the line for years to come. The only problem was that Williams had just one more year remaining on his contract, and as a show of faith, the 49ers agreed to alter that contract in a way that prevents the team from using the franchise tag on the seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
San Francisco would like to keep Williams, and Williams would like to remain with the team. He has enjoyed his short time with the 49ers and loves the culture and winning attitude inside the building.
General manager John Lynch joined KNBR on Friday morning and was asked about Williams' future.
"Yes, he is very much a priority for us," Lynch said on the Murph & Mac show. "We thought that when we traded for him. Everyone said, 'Hey, you're getting him for one year,' but you have a heck of a better chance, in my mind, when you get him in the building, and he feels our culture and everything. And Trent's been fantastic."
Williams didn't play last season but seems to have returned to form after a year off. He is Pro Football focus' second-highest graded tackle and fifth-highest graded offensive lineman in the NFL.
"When you hear players talk about guys, there's really good players — everyone's really good — and then there's like freakiest talents," Lynch continued. "And Trent is one of those guys. He's performed at a high level. He's been a great fit. So, of course we'd love to have Trent be a part of our future here, and we'll go to work."
The salary cap remains an obstacle. The 49ers are pushed up against the limit and have several players about to hit free agency. The fact that the salary cap limit is expected to drop next year due to the impact of the pandemic only complicates matters.
"There's a giant puzzle that's going to play out," Lynch commented. "We've been going through scenario after scenario internally. We're preparing for it. We will be prepared. But yes, we'd very much like Trent to be a part of our future."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
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