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The San Francisco 49ers are widely expected to address their offensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft, possibly using their top pick—the 11th overall—to do so. Left tackle Trent Williams will be 37 when the season begins. While he continues to play at an elite level, injuries caused him to miss seven games last season.
For now, the 49ers anticipate that Williams will return in 2025, postponing retirement for at least one more season.
“Trent’s mindset is where it always is, and he’s still very interested in being [the] great player that he is,” general manager John Lynch said in January. “And I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank. So Trent’s as committed as ever, and we love having Trent Williams a part of us.”
Still, anything is possible, and Williams has plenty of time to reflect and potentially change his mind. If he does, the 49ers’ draft plans could shift significantly. While selecting a defensive lineman, cornerback, or even a wide receiver—given Deebo Samuel’s trade request—remains an option, Williams’ sudden retirement would create a need for an immediate successor at left tackle. In that scenario, the 49ers might have no choice but to use their first-round pick to secure his replacement.
While much of the offseason buzz has centered on quarterback Brock Purdy‘s looming contract extension and the uncertainty surrounding Samuel, Pro Football Focus (PFF) contributor Bradley Locker identified Williams’ outlook as the most impactful this offseason.
“The 36-year-old was fantastic yet again, even in a shortened 2024 season,” Locker wrote. “Williams notched PFF pass- and run-blocking grades above 81.4, permitting only one sack on 381 pass-blocking snaps. At the same time, Williams didn’t play after Week 11 due to an ankle injury, and retirement very much appears to be on the table.
“Whether or not Williams suits up next season, general manager John Lynch will likely look to land a potential starter down the line at left tackle. But if Williams retires, that would make left tackle arguably the 49ers’ biggest need, trumping cornerback, edge defender and linebacker, as the team would need an instant starter to protect Purdy’s blindside.”
Most expect Purdy to sign the largest contract in franchise history—and one of the biggest in the NFL. Whether Williams returns or not, the 49ers must prioritize upgrading their offensive line to protect that investment if they hope to rebound from last season’s disappointing six-win campaign.
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As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the offseason, one player could drastically alter their priorities: offensive tackle Trent Williams.
Williams, who was acquired in a trade with the Washington Football Team last year, has been a standout performer for the 49ers. His presence on the offensive line has been crucial in protecting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and opening up holes for the running game.
With Williams set to become a free agent this offseason, the 49ers will have to make a decision on whether to re-sign him or let him walk. If they choose to re-sign Williams, it could have a major impact on their offseason plans.
For one, re-signing Williams would solidify the offensive line and allow the team to focus on other areas of need, such as cornerback or edge rusher. It would also give the 49ers more flexibility in the draft, as they wouldn’t have to use a high pick on an offensive tackle.
On the other hand, if the 49ers choose not to re-sign Williams, they would need to find a replacement either in free agency or the draft. This could shift their priorities and force them to allocate more resources to the offensive line.
Ultimately, the decision on Trent Williams will be a key factor in shaping the 49ers’ offseason plans. His presence or absence could drastically alter their priorities and impact their ability to compete next season.
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