Predicting landing spots for SF 49ers top 5 free agents in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Left Tackle Trent Williams
Not long after the SF 49ers traded for perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams from Washington, there was a strong chance he’d end up playing himself out of a new contract in 2021.
With his current deal not allowing for a franchise-tag designation, the Niners are faced with paying up to $18 million annually on a new contract for the superstar offensive tackle or let him walk in favor of what’ll likely be a massive free-agent deal elsewhere.
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The latter opens up a huge void along San Francisco’s offensive line this upcoming year, and this unit already has its share of questions.
Going back to cap space, though, it’ll be awfully tough for Williams to be retained.
Especially considering some of the other teams like the Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars who all have vast amounts of cap space and need O-line help this offseason.
The Jaguars, who have a league-most $77.5 million and the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, are all but guaranteed to grab Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and can afford to outbid nearly anyone else for Williams’ services to help protect their newest high-profile investment.
As such, it wouldn’t be shocking if Williams winds up calling Jacksonville his new home. But at least the Niners would get a compensatory pick for his departure.
Next. 5 prospects 49ers must avoid in Round 1 of 2021 NFL Draft. dark