49ers facing huge $38.8 million Trent Williams offseason decision

The San Francisco 49ers are heading towards a breaking point. While they're one of the top teams in the NFL and have a chance to secure the NFC's number 1 seed this season, their future could be at risk.

With Brandon Aiyuk likely gone, Jauan Jennings hitting free agency, and the large contracts all around the roster, one player's future comes into question: offensive tackle Trent Williams.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler highlighted Williams as a name to watch after the 2025 season, as Williams, with a huge $38.8 million cap hit, could wind up on a new team in 2026 and beyond.

49ers' Trent Williams at risk of leaving team amid $38.8 million problem

"Could one of the greatest left tackles of all time enter free agency in March?" Fowler writes. "The 49ers think Williams, 37, is having one of his best months in recent memory. But his massive cap hit of $38.8 million is approaching."

With such a huge cap hit on the horizon for the 2026 season, the 49ers are not likely to let it stand. They are likely to make some form of move, but the specifics of that move could be a wide range of outcomes.

Fowler listed the options for the 49ers as follows: "Give an elite but aging player a marker deal (hint: it's not a small market), stand pat and ride out the cap hit, or entertain a player release or trade."

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While the 49ers would likely want to keep such a stalwart at left tackle for as long as he wants to play, which could be for three more seasons until he's 40 years old, it might be too expensive.

A cut or trade could be in the works if the two sides cannot agree to a new deal, and while losing such a player would be a big blow, the 49ers could save money, and if they find a trade partner, land a decent return for one of the top tackles in the NFL.

April 1st is a date to keep in mind for 49ers fans, as a $10 million option bonus is due by then. Regardless of the 49ers' decision, fans could expect a resolution by the beginning of April in 2026.

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