Free agent Trent Williams is expected to test the market, instead of signing again with the 49ers before the NFL’s legal trading window opens on March 15. the Cris Collinsworth Podcast with Richard Sherman that he was inclined to stay in the Bay Area.
He did not openly announce his return, but his response when Sherman made a prediction for Williams’ impending free agency gave some hope that the left tackle would be back in San Francisco.
“I have San Francisco,” said Sherman. “I told him to stay in San Francisco for the faithful. I think he’s in San Francisco. I think he makes you happy for another 5 to 6 years, picks up your golden jacket and decides whether you want it in Washington or San Francisco. “
Williams’ response after host George Chahrouri and Sherman made their predictions for Williams to return to the 49ers:
“This is not a bad shot, folks. This is not a bad shot. You are barking at the right tree. “
The 49ers acquired Williams from Washington last year for a fifth round choice in the 2020 draft and a third round choice in the 2021 draft. He seemed to indicate after the season that he wanted to stay with the 49ers, but also said he would explore the market to find out what he is worth in what could be the 32-year-old player’s last big payday in his career.
It would be up to Williams not to make any declarative statements in one way or another with the free agent negotiations over there, and a comment on a podcast is far from being a binding commitment. The response was good news for the 49ers for now. They may just need to wait until the free agency starts unofficially on March 15 to get a real answer about Williams’ future.