Not long after a report surfaced that Trent Williams has leverage over the San Francisco 49ers, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted the 49ers are open to trading Trent Williams if the contract situation doesn’t get resolved. Rapoport says Williams is frustrated with the current negotiating process.
The 49ers would tip their hand and be in the market, whether in free agency or the NFL Draft, for a left tackle if they move on from their team captain and locker room leader. The options on the roster after Williams consist of Austen Pleasants and Brandon Parker.
In free agency, there aren’t many options. Recently released Taylor Decker is probably near the top of the list. But outside of that, the Nienrs would be reaching for a starting caliber offensive tackle.
In the draft, the 49ers might be forced to trade up to find a tackle. Then again, teams behind them would know the same and could jump ahead of the Niners.
It’s also worth pointing out that tackles tend to go earlier than most mock drafts, as it’s a premium position. That may lead the Niners to have to take a player earlier than they wanted.
It’s a big “what if,” but also a plausible scenario the 49ers could find themselves in if they end up moving on from Williams.
About the Author: Insidethe49
