The San Francisco 49ers have retained two of their top three free-agent priorities — fullback Kyle Juszczyk and cornerback Jason Verrett. The team hasn't been able to lock up the other — tackle Trent Williams — but the work to finalize a deal continues, per ESPN's Dan Graziano.
Whether or not the 49ers can re-sign Williams could impact the team's entire offseason roadmap.
49ers still trying to get Trent Williams done. That's the big one for them. Their plans could change depending on how that turns out. https://t.co/wTuXe70OA1
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 16, 2021
The 49ers have reportedly made multiple offers, with no success so far. The fact that Williams remains available is a good sign, though. It means that no other team has made an offer enticing enough for the eight-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman to declare his time with San Francisco as over.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote earlier today that he expects Williams to return to the 49ers. However, it won't be cheap. The offensive lineman is expected to command a price tag of over $20 million per season.
"I think he'll stay in San Francisco," wrote Breer in his MMQB column. "But I don't think the Niners will get it done without paying more than they probably figured they'd have to when they traded for him during last year's draft, and, accordingly, I've heard they're willing to go to $20 million per year to keep him."
The 49ers traded for Williams, 32, last year after the offensive lineman sat out a year from football. Williams had an impressive 2020 campaign and was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded tackle and second-highest graded offensive lineman.
Williams allowed four sacks last season, but none came during his final nine games.
