Record deal for 49ers’ lineman Williams
San Francisco seals deal with offensive lineman for 6 years, $138M
This should be the last time you see Trent Williams’ name in a headline, other than for Pro Bowl, All-Pro or even Hall of Fame honors, presuming he plays up to that stature.
Great left tackles are admired, paid, and in the shadows while others star and score.
Williams was the NFL’s biggest-ticket item in free agency until the 49ers eventually retained their Pro Bowl left tackle with a colossal contract, after a couple of tense days with him on the market.
He announced his deal (six years, $138.06 million) via Instagram Story, the richest pact ever for an NFL offensive lineman. Williams will receive $55 million guaranteed, as announced via Twitter by his representatives at Elite Loyalty Sports.
Joining him on that offensive line is center Alex Mack, a Cal product who previously played in Kyle Shanahan’s system with the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons.
On Williams’ Instagram story — where he unveiled his deal just after midnight — he mentioned Mack, whose plan to join the 49ers was reported by NFL Network.
The 49ers have yet to confirm either deal.
Williams’ best fit: Shanahan’s system, which initiated him into the NFL in 2010 as the No. 4 overall pick by Washington. His signing bonus in this deal: $30,100,000.
The 49ers’ focus now reverts to the quarterback position, which, for now, remains Garoppolo’s job, if healthy. Williams and other blockers must help Garoppolo buck the injury trend that ruined his and the 49ers’ 2018 and 2020 seasons.