With the franchise label deadline expired, there is a reorganization at the top of the free agent cards.
Gregg Rosenthal’s 101 best free agents in 2021 for the NFL.com currently has the San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle, Trent Williams, sitting first.
With few offensive tackle options hitting the open market and an extreme need to position himself across the stage, Williams is in a position to beat David Bakhtiari’s main contract for left tackles, despite being two years older.
Williams, 32, hinted that a return to San Francisco could be his first choice.
Williams joined the Cris Collinsworth Podcast with Niners teammate Richard Sherman and George Chahrouri. When Sherman suggested a return to San Francisco for Williams, the left tackle did not disagree.
“I have San Francisco. He will stay in San Francisco for the faithful,” said Sherman, via Pro Football Talk. “I think he stays in San Francisco. I think he makes you happy for another 5-6 years and takes your golden jacket and then decides whether you want it in Washington or San Francisco.”
Williams replied, “This is not a bad shot, folks. It is not a bad shot. You are barking in the right tree.”
Williams was negotiated with the Washington Niners last year after being out of the 2019 season due to a dispute with the organization over health issues.
Even at 32, Williams remains one of the best blockers on the blind side of the NFL. A return to Kyle Shanahan’s team makes a lot of sense. The Niners would be left with a big hole if the annual Pro Bowler left and Williams looked comfortable with the club.
The 49ers have a fair amount of space designed for the cap, compared to many teams in the league, to help keep Williams in the city. In the end, however, the money will speak. For the best player entering the free agency, a good payday should be on the way, even if the salary cap drops.