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Kurtenbach: The 49ers’ Trent Williams Problem Has only One Right Answer
The 49ers face a $39 million cap hit from Trent Williams' contract and must decide on restructuring or release before the April 1 option-bonus deadline, says GM John Lynch.
- Trent Williams and the 49ers are negotiating over a $39 million cap charge, with Lynch saying `In recent weeks, I've met with both Trent and with his agent, Vincent Taylor, and had really good, productive and substantive meetings` at the NFL Combine on February 24, 2026.
- An April 1, 2026 option-bonus deadline and Williams' lack of guarantees have accelerated talks amid Brock Purdy's $53 million-per-season deal and free agency starting in March.
- A 38-year-old Williams, a five-time All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowler, previously pressed for guarantees and restructured a three-year deal in September 2024.
- A decision before or after June 1, 2026, impacts cap savings, with a pre-June 1 release saving $4.7 million and a post-June-1 release potentially saving $15.5 million, ESPN reported.
- A restructure or extension that reduces Williams' 2026 cap hit appears the most practical outcome, but if he leaves, the 49ers will need a younger veteran left tackle or draft pick, making that position their biggest roster need.
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Kurtenbach: The 49ers’ Trent Williams problem has only one right answer
Let’s keep this incredibly simple for the brain trust in Santa Clara. Do the San Francisco 49ers actually want to compete for the Super Bowl this upcoming season? Yes or no? If the answer is yes, they need to sign left tackle Trent Williams to a contract extension. End of discussion. Roll the credits. There is no middle ground, no bargain-bin compromise, and certainly no replacing a player of his caliber. So why do I get the sense things are mor…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 43%
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