The placement of Williams on the injury list is a season-ending move according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area and a "huge blow" to the 49ers who had hoped to have Williams available at some point this season. "It is not known how Williams sustained the non-football injury in the offseason," reports Maiocco. The 49ers defense had already lost edge defender Aaron Lynch for four games due to a suspension. Williams and Lynch were the team's top two defenders in 2015 per Pro Football Focus.
In March, Williams, who was about to become a free agent, agreed to a new five-year contract with the 49ers. That contract was believed to pay Williams between $5 and $6 million per year. However, when his availability for the 49ers' season opener in September came into question, that contract was replaced by a one-year deal.
Following a physical, it was determined that Williams' rehab from surgery on his left leg would require more time than originally believed. The base salary on his new deal is $1 million with bonuses that bring the cap hit for the 49ers to $4 million. The contract allows the 49ers to evaluate Williams for another season, but will once again make him a free agent in 2017. Prior to the extent of the injury becoming better known, Williams was considered one of the top interior defender free agents.
RELATED
Williams missed 21 of 32 games from in 2013 and 2014 because of a leg fracture in each of the two seasons. He became a starter in 2014, but the fractured leg ended his season after nine games. He started all 16 games for the 49ers in 2015 and underwent a follow-up procedure upon completion of the season.
Williams joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in 2011.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Notebook: Demarcus Robinson's monster game; Trent Williams risks injury for his team; George Kittle's post-injury tequila
There haven't been many playoff wins that have been more satisfying than Sunday's 23-19 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, which sent the defending Super Bowl champions into the offseason and sent an aggressive fan base home unhappy. The last postseason trip to Lincoln... -
49ers' Trent Williams sends a clear message about his NFL future
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 years old at the start of the 2026 NFL season, a milestone that naturally raises questions about his long-term future. However, the future Hall of Famer has made it clear that retirement is not imminent. Williams... -
49ers Notebook: Purdy reflects on tough season; Jennings talks future; Kittle, Warner, and Williams recovery timelines
Monday marked the final opportunity for reporters to speak with San Francisco 49ers players at the team's facilities until the offseason program begins. The 49ers' injury-plagued 2025 season came to a disappointing end over the weekend with a playoff loss to division rival... -
49ers Notebook: Veterans praise rookie performance in 2025; Shanahan speaks on Renardo Green scolding; Trent Williams, others reflect on 2025
The mood could have been worse among San Francisco 49ers players Saturday night following their 41-6 season-ending drubbing at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. But it wasn't, due in part to the reflections that were made on what the team accomplished in 2025 and what lies...