49ers to sign Williams to record six-year contract, bring in Mack

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers early Wednesday morning made big news along the offensive line making a pair of notable signings.

First, they agreed to terms on a record-setting contract with free agent Trent Williams, who will sign a six-year deal worth up $138.06 million, making him far and away the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. His agency announced the news at 3:40 a.m. on the West Coast.

San Francisco wasn’t done. The 49ers addressed their glaring need at center by agreeing to terms with Atlanta Falcons free agent Alex Mack, according to a report from NFL Network. The Cal alum was named to the Alldecade team for the 2010s and has appeared in six Pro Bowls.

The 35-year-old reunites with Kyle Shanahan, with whom he played for previously in Cleveland and Atlanta in 2014 and 2016. Shanahan helped bring Mack from Cleveland to Atlanta in free agency and he helped the team reach the Super Bowl.

It all but confirms incumbent center Weston Richburg is likely done with the 49ers. Richburg recently had hip surgery, his third procedure since he last played in Dec. 2019 when he tore the patellar tendon in his knee.

It was believed the Kansas City Chiefs were making a strong push to sign Williams after releasing their two starting tackles over the last week. The belief is the 49ers had to increase their offer to account for California’s more burdensome 13% income tax against Missouri’s 5.4%. The Chicago Bears were also reportedly in the mix after agreeing to sign Andy Dalton to a $10 million deal to compete for the starting quarterback job.

Williams’ contract, if fully realized, far surpasses the other contracts for the league’s top tackles. Ravens star Ronnie Stanley signed a four-year, $97.75 million contract in October, while the Packers gave David Bakhtiari a four-year, $92 million deal in November. Those deals average $19.75 million and $23 million per year, respectively. Williams’ deal averages $23.01 million per season.