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Trent Williams’ can’t be franchise tagged under new contract

49ers new left tackle gets a restructured deal that avoids the franchise tag and helps him get closer to a long term contract.

By Chet Gresham
Washington offensive tackle Trent Williams smiles before the game between Washington and the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018. Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trent Williams has officially passed his physical and signed a restructured contract with the San Francisco 49ers, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. After a long and contentious holdout with Washington, Williams was finally traded to the 49ers for a third and fifth-round pick after they lost Joe Staley to retirement and didn’t land an early round replacement.

The 49ers restructured his contract to give him some upfront cash and made it so Williams couldn’t be franchise-tagged next season, per ESPN’s Field Yates. That will allow Williams to reestablish himself as a top lineman, which would give the 49ers a strong season from their new left tackle and help Williams set himself up for a long-term contract.

The 49ers and Williams fit well together, as they both need each other this season. The 49ers are still poised for another Super Bowl run while Williams needs to reestablish himself after missing a season. The 49ers left tackle position is a great spot to do just that. The team could try to get him extended before the season starts as well, but Williams would likely get more if he can put together a strong season.

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