Trent Williams’ Unusual Move Sends Subtle Message to San Francisco 49ers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The San Francisco 49ers are still in on winning a championship immediately, but they are also retooling their roster while adding younger and cheaper pieces to build around.
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It’s a semi-rebuild, but the Niners have some of their fundamental elements in place. They have several pricy veterans sprinkled across the roster among the best at their respective positions in Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
They started the remodeling, though, by trading No. 1 receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders before watching half of their starters depart. There were even rumors of intentions to move off of Brandon Aiyuk during the combine.
Recently there was a rumor that maybe the Niners should end up trading Trent Williams.
But all involved are going in another direction.
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The star offensive lineman has often remained in Texas to do some of his offseason work. But now, Williams has decided to show up for voluntary workouts.
Take that as a message: He wants to help fix this program after a dismal 6-11 year in 2024.
Williams, at 36, is vastly older than much of the rest of the roster. But it might be a challenge to find another team willing to take on that contract and the $21 million cap hit expected for this season.
So instead, maybe San Francisco and Williams let it ride with the present situation, hoping Niners’ roster construction shift can be led in part by him.
Related: 49ers Risk On Freakish Rookie Alfred Collins Promises Major Payoff
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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