Trent Williams Becomes Highest Paid Offensive Lineman in History

Trent Williams Becomes Highest Paid Offensive Lineman in History; Trent Williams is a massive wall of a left tackle on the field who does a great job both pass protecting and run blocking. Williams’s ability has not gone unnoticed as he just signed the largest contract in offensive lineman history. Williams signed a six-year $138.06 million contract with $55.1 million fully guaranteed. Williams is now under contract until he turns 38 years old. Williams was set to reach the open market after the 49ers did not franchise tag the left tackle, and in free agency, he received offers from multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs.

This is big news for the 49ers as having a pro bowl starting left tackle is extremely important. If Williams pursued other options in free agency, a major hole would have been left for the 49ers. By securing up to two strong offensive tackles, the 49ers can now focus on other needs in the draft.

Williams Finally Gets His Money

Williams was drafted back in 2010 fourth overall by the Washington Redskins out of the University of Oklahoma. Immediately Williams solidified himself as one of the best left tackles in the league and force to be reckoned with. Williams and Washington constantly had trouble when negotiating a contract leading towards Williams’ holdout of the 2019 NFL season. Williams wanted to get his long-term extension, but Washington was unwilling to give him his money.

Williams was a pro bowler in seven consecutive seasons while being a member of Washington and battled through painful injuries. When looking at his resume and his contributions to the team, it was unbelievable to see that the team continued not to value their left tackle as it is one of the most important positions on the field.

San Francisco needed help on the offensive line, and Williams found a great new home after being disgruntled in Washington. The 49ers acquired Williams from Washington in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round pick. Williams came in after a year off and immediately stepped in for San Francisco as he has in prior years, making his eighth pro bowl.

San Francisco Investing in O-Line

By signing Williams to such a lucrative extension, the 49ers continue to invest heavily in their offensive line. Recently San Francisco signed former pro bowl center Alex Mack to a one-year deal to go along with Williams and their former first-round pick Mike McGlinchy. The 49ers are just two years apart from making it to the Super Bowl but were decimated by injuries the entire season, including key injuries in the first few weeks of the year.

When healthy, the 49ers do a great job running the football led by running back Raheem Mostert, who has great burst and speed to separate him from defenders. The 49er’s passing game was inconsistent last season, and quarterback Jimmy Garropolo was injured for a decent part of the year. With trade rumors swirling for Deshaun Watson, who listed the 49ers as a top destination, it will be interesting to see what San Francisco does in addition to their moves this offseason. No matter what happens for the remainder of the offseason, the 49ers have made it known that they want to upgrade their offense as they are already very strong on defense.

In 2021 the 49ers will have a revamped offense and should return as contenders in the NFC once healthy. The team around the league continues to upgrade in free agency, so it will be important for the 49ers to have a strong draft to remain at the top.