Trent Williams has anchored the left side of the San Francisco 49er's offensive line since being acquired in 2020, and at 36 years old, speculation around his future remain intact. The three-time First-Team All-Pro remains one of the league’s highest-graded offensive tackles, earning an 85.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 — sixth amongst offensive tackles.
Originally selected fourth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by Washington, Williams has played 14 NFL seasons, the last five with the San Francisco 49ers in which he's led an offensive line that carried the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances. He started 10 games for the 49ers in the 2024 regular season, yet the 49ers season still ended in disappointment. After finishing with a 6-11 record gifting them the eleventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, rumors began to circulate of Williams' replacement being selected.
The veteran left tackle addressed the growing retirement chatter this week, along with his commitment to playing in the NFL long-term.
“I’m definitely not going to retire with something left in the tank,” Williams said.
Williams also noted that when the time does come to step away, he plans to give the 49ers’ front office advance notice to ensure they have time to prepare for his replacement.
In addition to protecting Brock Purdy’s blind side, he’s a vocal leader and locker room cornerstone in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
As the 49ers reload for another Super Bowl run, Williams’ words reinforce a clear message — he’s not done.
