All the focus will be on free agency, and rightfully so. However, the San Francisco 49ers must work a deal to Trent Williams’ liking, or he may test the market. Williams is entering the final season of his contract.
According to Jason La Canfora, the Kansas City Chiefs are ready to pounce if the 49ers can’t agree on a new contract with Williams:
Trent Williams, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the iconic left tackles of his generation, remained mired in a contract impasse with the 49ers through the weekend and heading into the start of NFL free agency, a situation that is being very closely monitored by other teams.
San Francisco’s initial proposal to Williams was seen as decidedly low, according to league sources, which is not unusual with how that team often initiated contract discussions.
The deal was for two years at what many would describe as below average for a player of this accomplishment, and rival front offices believe Williams, who continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level when healthy despite his advanced age, holds significant leverage in this situation.
San Francisco is in a bit of a salary-cap crunch and Williams carries a non-guaranteed cap figure just under $39M for this season.
“We think he has a ton of leverage,” said an executive with one team that would love to get a shot at Williams on the open market. “He has to realize that.”
Who is lurking for Williams?
In what is a suspect free-agent class overall, Williams is seen by some evaluators as the rare potential talent available that could help put a contending team in need of offensive line help over the top.
He remains as strong and agile as ever, though he does come with extreme injury risk at age 37 and with a history of neck issues.
San Francisco would love nothing more than to retain him, but Williams doesn’t have to agree to anything and is aware that there would definitely be a market for his services if he can’t agree to new terms with San Francisco.
Kansas City is seen by many around the league as the team most eager to land him and the one that would be the best fit.
The 49ers aren’t in the greatest negotiating position without an answer behind Williams. He’s aware of how important he is to the team, as are they. We will see if Williams’ asking price is too high for the Niners’ liking. That price might be worth it, whatever that number is, based on how Williams has produced.
It’s a situation we will undoubtedly monitor as the week goes along.
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