49ers sign Williams to historic contract
Cal product Mack to join offensive line
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, 32, is tailor-made for the 49ers, not only with his athletic skillset but his power that can keep defenders off Jimmy Garoppolo — and those quarterbacks who may succeed him in the coming years if 2021 doesn’t go well.
Williams figured to charge into free agency just like last season’s viral image from his 49ers debut. Remember that, when he raced 5 yards downfield and gleefully flattened an Arizona Cardinals linebacker? Instead, Williams took a rather stationary, pocket
protecting stance. There were reports that the Chicago Bears, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts came calling.
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.
Splurging on Williams is a necessary largesse. The 49ers are only 13 1/2 months removed from the Super Bowl. They had to lock up their Pro Bowl left tackle. They couldn’t gamble with an in-house option or incoming rookie, not with their championship window threatening to slam shut like it did quickly after their 2012 team’s run to a Super Bowl appearance.
Mack, 35, is a six-time Pro Bowler who brings familiarity and experience. The 49ers went through six centers last season en route to a 6-10 record, with opening-day guard Daniel Brunskill sliding over to start at center the final eight games. Weston Richburg is expected to retire and Ben Garland is a free agent.
The 49ers’ preceding moves were prudent: resigning fullback Kyle Juszczyk and cornerback Jason Verrett at reasonable costs, while also agreeing with former Rams edge rusher Samson Ebukam at a steeper discount from the NFL’s proven sack artists.
Williams and Juszczyk were the 49ers’ top offensive priorities because of how valuable that tandem is to Shanahan’s system. They embody the scheme fit with athleticism, versatility, leadership and heady play. Mack, too.
Williams arrived 11 months ago, traded from Washington for a thirdround draft pick to offset Joe Staley’s retirement. He hadn’t played football in more than a year, sitting out the 2019 season because of a cancerous growth on his scalp and a feud with the front office.
He used 2020 for an inspiring comeback and regained Pro Bowl acclaim while starting all but two games. He missed the season finale with an elbow issue, as well as a November loss to the Green Bay Packers while on the COVID-19 reserve list as a high-risk contact.
His best game, at least in terms of resiliency, surprised even himself as he overcame his own bout with COVID-19 and helped the 49ers beat the host Los Angeles Rams.
His debut season saw him protect the blind side of three different 49ers quarterbacks. That can’t happen again, if all goes right with the 49ers’ plans.
Williams was the league’s top-rated tackle last season, according to Pro Football Focus. A clause in his contract prevented him from drawing the franchise tag, which was applied to two other tackles in the league — Taylor Moton (Carolina Panthers) and Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars).
Williams’ return and Mack’s addition seemingly round out the 49ers’ projected starting lineup on offense.
Adding more wide receivers behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, another tight end to complement George Kittle or more linemen to fortify that front are all conceivable steps.
Unhitching themselves from Garoppolo is something that has not happened, nor is expected, barring a blockbuster trade for a replacement such as Houston’s Deshaun Watson. Check back on that in 2022. Williams will be there to block for whoever takes the snap, presumably from Mack.