49ers Could Release Trent Williams; 3 Suitors Emerge

Future Hall of Fame offensive tackle Trent Williams may have played his final game with the San Francisco 49ers. The 37-year-old was one of the few consistently healthy and high-performing members of the 49ers last year, starting in 16 games while making the Pro Bowl, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors, and earning a 91.1 PFF grade, the 3rd-best mark in the league.

Trent Williams is still a great player despite his age, but the cash-strapped 49ers may have no choice but to release him. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, San Francisco can’t afford Williams’ $39 million cap hit in 2026. While the two sides are reportedly working towards a contract solution, the 49ers will release him if the player and team can’t come to terms.

Just about every team in the league would love to have Trent Williams on their roster, as he’s one of the best players in the league at a premium position. While he could end up anywhere, the following three teams make the most sense for the potential free agent.

3 Teams That Could Sign Trent Williams If the 49ers Release Him

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs must do a better job of protecting Patrick Mahomes in 2026. While the interior offensive line remains one of the best in football, the tackle position needs some work. First-round pick Josh Simmons played as well as could be expected during his inaugural campaign, but he can’t play both tackle positions. Kansas City will almost certainly release Jawaan Taylor, as the right tackle has never played up to his contract. Perhaps the Chiefs just throw in Jaylon Moore on the right side, but they could move Simmons to the right and bring in Trent Williams to be the blind side protector for 2026. Seeing as Patrick Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL, now is the perfect time to ensure the two-time MVP has all the time he needs in the pocket.

2. Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud is a fine quarterback, but he’s not the type of player who can succeed regardless of his surroundings. The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in football last year, and that faulty protection led to Stroud’s disastrous postseason performance. Trent Williams won’t fix the entire unit, but the 49ers superstar will go a long way in making life easier for Stroud. The biggest problem will be the money, as Houston is almost $5 million over the salary cap, and Williams will likely earn a high salary.

1. New England Patriots

Will Campbell had a terrible playoff run, but it’s worth remembering the LSU product played well before landing on the injured reserve with a knee injury. However, even with that disclaimer, he’s no Trent Williams. The Patriots are well ahead of schedule in their rebuild and now have $42.7 million in cap space to improve the roster. This team’s championship window is wide open, and adding someone like Williams to secure the offensive line could be the final piece this team needs to hoist their first Lombardi since the Tom Brady Era.