The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, and rumors are building up around the San Francisco 49ers. While questions continue to rise about the club’s plans for the draft, one Insider hints at how Trent Williams impacts what the organization wants to do once the draft is underway.
In his latest mailbag about the 49ers, Matt Barrows of The Athletic claims that, although the 37-year-old left tackle just signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension, the 49ers could still very much be in play for an offensive tackle in the draft. Barrows argues that San Francisco still needs a future replacement for Williams, and that individual could be found this offseason.
“I don’t know exactly what their approach is to this draft, but I don’t think the Williams news changes it. The 49ers seemed confident over the last two months that a deal would get done. And they still need an heir apparent at left tackle. That is, if they had designs on taking a tackle early, I’d imagine that’s still the plan.”
The 49ers are not scheduled to be on the clock until pick No. 27 in the first round. While offensive line is still considered a need for the club, the front office could certainly find a rookie left tackle with that selection. But nothing is for certain until the draft begins and San Francisco is on the clock.
Williams, a three-time First-Team All-Pro, is one of the most consistent left tackles in the NFL. Even after 15 seasons in the league, there are not many other offensive linemen who are better than him.
Even so, he can’t play forever, and the 49ers would be smart to acquire a future replacement now. That would give the incoming rookie a year to sit and learn behind one of the best to ever do it before eventually taking over as the starter. Whenever that may be. But, ultimately, San Francisco could go an entirely different route in the first round.
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