The San Francisco 49ers recently signed running back Christian McCaffrey to a contract extension, securing more guaranteed money for the versatile offensive weapon. While negotiations for a contract extension with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are ongoing, many wonder who might be next for the 49ers.
Cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward are entering the final year of their deals. Additionally, there are questions about the future contracts of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and guard Aaron Banks.
Trent Williams is signed through the 2026 season and will count $31.6 million against the salary cap this year. He is the fourth-highest-paid offensive lineman in terms of average salary. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the tackle may soon seek a new deal.
"Fowler reported Saturday on SportsCenter that 'there are whispers around some in the industry that he might want a new deal eventually,'" stated Bleacher Report.
Williams, who will turn 36 next month, remains a highly productive player, earning the second-highest regular-season grade (89.9) from Pro Football Focus among all offensive linemen last season. Only Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell had a higher overall grade at 90.7. Williams allowed only 18 pressures and no sacks last season and remains the 49ers' best offensive lineman.
Williams' performance last season earned him his 11th Pro Bowl selection and third first-team All-Pro selection. He signed a six-year, $138.06 million contract in 2021, making him the league's highest-paid offensive lineman at the time.
The real question is how much longer Williams intends to play. In February, ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, he stated that he wants to play at least a couple more years, indicating that he might try to finish out his current contract, making news of him eventually wanting a new deal unexpected.
"I haven't thought about the end, so I know I'm definitely in for the next couple of years," Williams said.
Like McCaffrey, Williams may simply be seeking more guaranteed money as he aims to finish out his current deal. His current contract doesn't include any guaranteed money for the remaining years.
San Francisco currently has approximately $32.7 million in salary cap space and likely plans to roll over as much of that as possible into next year when the team will begin negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy.