All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams is staging a holdout this training camp but could seek a trade if there’s no adjustment to his contract. According to a report, Williams remains on a six-year deal with the 49ers but that no longer satisfies him so he’s looking for a new contract. This comes as a surprise following the drama between the team and Brandon Aiyuk‘s long-term decision so things may be confusing in the long run if San Francisco doesn’t act fast. However, the difference is that Williams is completely away from the team but Aiyuk is reporting to training camp but is “holding in.”
The veteran left tackle has been handsomely doing well in the league as one of the premier pass blockers in this league. Unsurprisingly, he wants a new deal that tackles like Penei Sewell, Laremy Tunsil and Andrew Thomas, who have higher Average Annual Salary. He provides tremendous value for the team being that he’s a future Hall of Famer so he wants to use his leverage to maximize his contract before he eventually retires. It’s a smart move by him but it’s a tough decision for the 49ers to make since sooner or later they would need to extend Deebo Samuel after Aiyuk and Williams’ new deal.
The former Washington Commander draftee did say last season that he would play one more year but he isn’t due for a massive extension. Williams still has three years on his current deal so it’s interesting to see what he would want. Williams probably wants to play until he’s 40 but that’s all depending on the longevity of his deal and where those talks may happen in an upcoming offseason. A raise may appeal to him but no one should knock out the idea of a trade.
All-Pro Offensive Tackle Trent Williams Staging Holdout, Could Seek Trade
Potential Trade Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Morgan Moses isn’t around anymore so one of their biggest needs for the team was the right tackle position. However, Lamar Jackson is looking for the best of the best if he wants to go on a legit run to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs. This means if the Ravens bring in Trent Williams to reinforce this entire offensive line, then they would have additional support to let Jackson get more time in the pocket. Williams isn’t god but his veteran status and experience separate him from other offensive tackles to take this team to a Super Bowl.
He should be in the position to win at least one Super Bowl from he retires, so the Ravens may be the best destination for him. The AFC probably gives him the best chances since the NFC wasn’t working for him all of his career after falling to the Chiefs twice in the Super Bowl before. Roger Rosengarten may be the new draftee but he has big shoes to fill this season so it may be wise for him to learn from a veteran.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have one of the best offensive lines in the league so surely they wouldn’t even need to add Williams if it comes to it. Joe Thurney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith cracked the top 10 last year as arguably one of the best trios. There’s some competition between Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia this year but if they’re looking to beef up the competition then Williams would be an excellent addition. This would give Patrick Mahomes the protection he needs to find a pass catcher since they’re lacking weapons.
However, it’s not the biggest need but Williams could find a way to want a trade if he doesn’t get the new contract he wants.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been focusing on their offense this entire and have been doing a good job of getting a supporting cast for Bryce Young. A Diontae Johnson, rookie Xavier Legette and a returning Adam Thielen are solid pass catchers but to be successful, he needs more protection in the pocket. Williams would be a dream scenario for the Panthers but he always can suit up in a new uniform before he retires.
