The biggest mystery on the 49ers this year is Trent Williams.
He lost his son to a stillborn pregnancy last year and he missed the final seven games with a bruised ankle that wouldn't heal. In July, he will turn 37. So even though he signed a contract extension last year, no one would blame him if he decided to retire.
Pro Football Focus doesn't seem so certain that Williams will return to the football field.
"The 49ers are already in the midst of a chaotic offseason, which features a potential Deebo Samuel trade and a likely Brock Purdy extension," writes PFF analyst Bradley Locker. "However, the most overarching question might just be about whether Williams will play in 2025.
"The 36-year-old was fantastic yet again, even in a shortened 2024 season. Williams notched PFF pass- and run-blocking grades above 81.4, permitting only one sack on 381 pass-blocking snaps. At the same time, Williams didn’t play after Week 11 due to an ankle injury, and retirement very much appears to be on the table.
"Whether or not Williams suits up next season, general manager John Lynch will likely look to land a potential starter down the line at left tackle. But if Williams retires, that would make left tackle arguably the 49ers’ biggest need, trumping cornerback, edge defender and linebacker, as the team would need an instant starter to protect Purdy’s blindside."
If Williams decides to retire, I could see the 49ers privately asking him to wait until after the draft to announce his decision so that they can draft his replacement before the rest of the league knows they're in the market for a starting offensive tackle.
Since the 49ers traded for Williams in 2020, their record when he doesn't play is just 4-12. They need to plan for life without him.
