49ers notes: RT Trent Brown faring fine, WR Patton looking to step up in fourth year

Veteran left tackle Trent Williams may be one of the San Francisco 49ers' most important offseason decisions. During last year's draft, the team traded for him as a replacement for the retired Joe Staley. William was to anchor the offensive line. Some questioned whether there would be some rust after the tackle missed all of the 2019 season. Williams finished the season as Pro Football Focus' highest-graded tackle and second-highest-graded offensive lineman. The 49ers cannot use the franchise tag on Williams. That was part of his deal's restructured final year, which was reworked following the trade from Washington to San Francisco. Now, Williams is slated to become a free agent. He would like to return to the 49ers, and the team would certainly like

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the San Francisco 49ers engaged in contract discussions with left tackle Trent Williams last week. The writer describes the talks as "extensive," explaining that coming to an agreement before the regular season's final weekend would have helped the 49ers' salary cap situation. While the discussions didn't result in a new contract for the eight-time Pro Bowl selection, it sends a clear message that re-signing Williams is among the team's top priorities. #49ers and Pro Bowl LT Trent

One way or another, offensive tackle Trent Williams is about to become an even richer man. It could be with the San Francisco 49ers, which traded for the offensive lineman last year to replace a retiring Joe Staley, or it could be with another team. The 49ers had contract talks with Williams' representatives before the team's final game of the season but couldn't come to an agreement. The veteran tackle admits that his preferred offseason outcome would be a return to San Francisco but is curious about his free-agency value. "It's been 11 years in the league,"