Restructured contract could give 49ers massive financial advantage

Trent Williams' new deal with the San Francisco 49ers may end up helping the team in more ways than one.

Getting back one of the league's most important offensive linemen is huge for the 49ers, but Williams also freed up about $23.8 million in 2026 salary cap space, according to Spotrac. Williams' renegotiated deal will pay the 37-year-old $24.5 million this season, which is down from $33 million. If this ends up being the case, the 49ers will have a league-high $67 million in cap space dedicated to their top-51 contracted players.

This gives the 49ers a lot of flexibility during the 2026 season to make some moves if they want. The team still has some needs they can address at edge rusher and cornerback despite drafting at those positions this year. One name that jumps out is edge rusher Joey Bosa, the older brother of Nick Bosa, who 49ers general manager John Lynch once said was too expensive to sign.

The 49ers could also try to add a veteran left guard if they aren't comfortable with Connor Colby or rookie Carver Willis. Some names on the open market include Kevin Zeitler, Joel Bitonio, and Mekhi Becton.