San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams signed his reworked contract last week. Included was wording that prevents the team from using the franchise tag on him next year. That means that Williams and the 49ers must agree on a new contract extension before he hits free agency in 2021, or agree to part ways.
As part of his reworked contract with the 49ers, OT Trent Williams cannot be franchise tagged after this season, per source. The eventual goal for both sides remains a long-term deal for the 7-time Pro Bowler.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 23, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers gave up a fifth-round pick this year and a third-rounder in next year's draft to acquire Williams from Washington, despite the tackle having only one year remaining on his deal.
Williams has not played since the 2018 season and has focused on preparing for the 2020 season and proving his worth rather than demanding a new deal now from San Francisco.
"For me, I just want to get back into the swing of things, get my feet wet, get back onto the field," Williams recently told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. "I didn't want to make any lofty demands coming off a year where I didn't play.
"Obviously, I still have all the confidence in the world in myself, and I know the type of work I put in is going to show. It's the NFL, and it's all about what have you done for me lately. Obviously, I didn't play last year, so, realistically, I want to come in and just kind of cement myself with dominant play, not just going off what I have done in the past."
The 49ers have several key players scheduled to hit free agency next year, including tight end George Kittle and cornerback Richard Sherman. While the NFL is proceeding as if the 2020 season will take place, there is some skepticism due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Williams is entering his 11th NFL season and is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.