Earlier this offseason, we all heard the fan speculation about Trent Williams retiring. Well, it didn’t happen. Fast forward to early June, and Trent is practicing at 49ers’ Minicamp. Contrary to speculation, the soon-to-be 37-year-old is ready to go for his 15th season in the NFL, and the Niners couldn’t be more excited to have him back.
How Much Longer Will Trent Williams Play?
When asked about how much longer he will play in the NFL, Williams had this to say.
“It’s one of them things to where I’m going to do everything possible to play as long [as I can]…and to put a good product of football out there, and then, when it’s not going my way, then I’ll know,” said Williams. “But I could play until I’m 41. Who knows? But that is a goal of mine. I’m definitely not going to retire with some left in the tank.”
The 49ers need Trent out there for as long as possible. His contract ends after the 2026 season, but the Niners are likely to pursue an extension. Playing till 41 would give him an astounding five more years of his career. That may be too much to ask, but Williams is one of the premier Left Tackles in the game, and is irreplaceable for the Niners.
Williams’ one downside, though: injuries. Last season, he missed seven games with an ankle injury. As the miles add up for Williams, this obstacle will become harder to overcome.
Importance of Trent Williams’ Presence at Camp
The 49ers are pumped to have the anchor of their offensive line back. Kyle Shanahan was asked about having Trent Williams in the 49ers’ facility so early on in the offseason, compared to last year when Williams was holding out for a new contract.
“I think it’s big. Everyone knows who Trent is, just the career he’s had, being one of the best tackles to play the game,” Shanahan said Tuesday. “So when you are a name that people have grown up watching, they want to see how you are in the building. … But I love Trent being around so people can see how much he does care about football, how much he does work at football. You know that by how he plays, but it’s cool at his age and where he’s at in his career, for people to still see what he has to do to get ready.”
Williams is one of the key veterans on a 49ers team that has had a lot shaken up this past offseason. Looking ahead, the team will see multiple rookies and second-year players entering into big-time roles. Williams is set to step back into a mentor role and maintain his elite level of play. Despite the injuries and struggles among the 49ers’ offense last year, Williams still posted an 85.6 PFF grade. He ranked 6th best in the NFL in his version of an off-year.
If the 49ers are going to have a bounce-back season with a deep playoff run, they need Trent Williams at his best. The dedication we are seeing this June is an amazing sign for what could be to come this Fall.
