While NFL Media analyst Cynthia Frelund isn't making any grand declarations about the 49ers offense without Williams, she emphasized the importance of the future Hall of Famer while projecting her win totals for the 2024 season. Frelund has San Francisco's win total at 11, just behind the Philadelphia Eagles, with a ceiling of 13.9 and a floor of 9.1.
After praising quarterback Brock Purdy, Frelund noted that the contract standoffs with Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk have impacted her projections. While Aiyuk's situation has been resolved with a four-year, $120 million extension, the ongoing standoff with Williams remains a potential problem for the 49ers if it extends into the regular season.
"Focusing specifically on Williams' immense impact: The first-team All-Pro left tackle allowed pressure on just 7.2 percent of his pass-blocking snaps in 2023, the fourth-best figure NGS charted among 34 left tackles with at least 300 pass-blocking snaps last season," Frelund wrote.
Jaylon Moore is slated to start Week 1 against the New York Jets if Trent Williams does not report to the team. At first glance, Moore's protection stats from last season seem respectable—he allowed just eight pressures and one sack in 121 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. That equates to a 6.6% pressure rate. However, these numbers fall well short of Williams'.
Williams allowed just 20 pressures and no sacks over 561 pass-blocking snaps, resulting in a 3.6% pressure rate. This significant difference highlights the potential drop-off in protection if Williams remains away.
Williams earned an impressive pass-blocking grade of 84.3 last season, including the playoffs, with an even higher run-blocking grade of 92.6. In contrast, Moore posted a pass-blocking grade of 69.7 and a run-blocking grade of 69.8.
The 49ers remain hopeful that Williams will return soon. His presence is vital for the team's success this season, and with so much on the line, they can't afford to have one of their best players watching from home.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Trent Williams embraces final NFL chapter, savoring every training camp moment
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams made it clear that his current contract, which runs through the 2027 season, will likely be the final deal of his illustrious NFL career. Speaking to reporters after the 49ers' first training camp practice on Sunday, Williams was... -
49ers' Trent Williams, Fred Warner amazed by Nick Bosa's recovery after ACL injury
For the second time in his NFL career, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa had his season cut short by an ACL injury. The latest setback occurred in Week 3 of the 2025 season. The good news is that the timing of the injury allowed Bosa ample time to recover and prepare... -
49ers training camp Week 2: Full practice schedule, media availability, and key dates
San Francisco 49ers players have Thursday off but will kick off their second week of training camp on Friday. Assistant head coach/offensive line Chris Foerster, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer are scheduled to speak with the... -
49ers have learned to keep secrets, but is this a good thing?
For years, the San Francisco 49ers had a reputation for being one of the easiest NFL teams to get information from. Not because the team was particularly transparent, but because information seemed to find its way out of the building. That changed in 2017. Since Kyle Shanahan...