Trent Williams Climbs 5 Spots to No. 40 in NFL Top 100

Q: Will Trent Williams actually finish his massive new contract, or is a shocking retirement closer than fans realize?

Trent Williams is more likely than not to play through this contract, but retirement before the end of it is no longer a remote possibility. The strongest evidence is Williams’ own words. After signing the two-year, $50 million extension, he said he expects to play both years and called it “probably” his last NFL contract. He has also said he was “fully committed” to these next few years and never viewed last season as a likely finale. That points toward a planned exit after the deal, not an abrupt one. Performance supports that outlook. Even at 37 turning 38, Williams remains elite. Reports tied to his 2025 season say he started all 16 games, played 997 snaps, earned a 91.5 PFF grade, and remained one of the league’s most efficient tackles in both pass and run blocking. His No. 40 ranking on the player-voted Top 100 reinforces that peers still see him as a high-end performer, not a player hanging on. The caution flags are age, health, and family priorities. Williams has openly described retirement as “scary” and said he is weighing leaving while he still has “good product” left against playing until he can’t. He has also spoken candidly about wanting to be more present for his daughter as she nears college age. That makes an early walk-away plausible if injuries pile up or if his priorities shift quickly. So the best read is this: the 49ers should expect two more seasons, but they would be unwise to assume anything beyond that—or to delay a succession plan at left tackle.

3 articles · Updated · Niners Wire · Aug 3

No. 40 marks a five-place rise for 49ers left tackle Trent Williams from last year's No. 45 in the player-voted 2026 NFL Top 100.
At 38, Williams earned the jump despite injuries in 2025, starting 16 games for a San Francisco line that often leaned on backups and third-stringers.
His season still brought major honors — a fifth All-Pro nod and 12th Pro Bowl selection — reinforcing his standing as one of the league's top offensive linemen.
San Francisco already rewarded that play in April with a two-year, $50 million extension, extending a career that has now produced 13 Top 100 appearances.