Trent Williams is suiting up for his 16th NFL season this Thursday, kicking things off against the Rams way out in Melbourne, Australia. But get this: the guy many are calling the best player at his position in NFL history is openly talking about his career being on its last legs.
The “I Think This Is It” Talk That Nobody Believes
Last season, before Week 5, Williams, then 37, had a chat with Andrew Whitworth during pregame warmups. Whitworth, now an Amazon Prime analyst, is the only player to ever start a game at left tackle at 40 years old. Williams gave him a weary smile and told him he wouldn’t be matching that incredible longevity feat. “He’s like, ‘I think this it, big dog,’” Whitworth recalled. Whitworth’s internal thought? “Yeah, right.” And guess what, Whitworth wasn’t wrong. Instead of chilling in retirement, Williams is back to dominate. Last week, Williams doubled down, telling the Chronicle there’s a “big chance” the 2027 season would “probably” be his final one. But Whitworth isn’t buying it. He thinks there’s a huge chance Williams snags at least one more massive contract. This dude is still elite, even at an advanced age, having locked down 12 Pro Bowl berths,an NFL record for an offensive tackle. Last season alone, he was a first-team All-Pro and ranked third among all players at his position by Pro Football Focus.
His Team Can’t Afford to Lose Him
The 49ers know exactly what their offense looks like without Williams, and it is not pretty. They haven’t even named a starting left guard because none of their three candidates,rookie Carver Willis, Connor Colby, or the since-released Robert Jones,managed to separate themselves this summer. On top of that, Williams’ backup, Vederian Lowe, signed in March, may not even be up to speed after missing training camp with a high ankle sprain. The left side of that line would absolutely collapse if he’s sidelined. It’s no wonder Whitworth is so skeptical about Williams walking away. He famously restructured his contract for two years and $50 million in April after some tense negotiations. He’s signed big deals before, too: a six-year, $138.06 million contract in 2021 that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman, and a three-year, $82.6 million extension in 2024 after a 40-day holdout. The 49ers haven’t even drafted an heir apparent since trading for him in 2020. This guy is a marvel; before Washington drafted him No. 4 overall in 2010, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle ran a 4.88 40-yard dash and had a 34.5-inch vertical jump at the combine. Whitworth put it best: “He’s going to play good again, and then he’s going to ask for more money, and then he’s going to play another two years… He ain’t fooling me.”
So, as Trent Williams gets ready to kick off his 16th season on Thursday, don’t be surprised if this isn’t his last ride. The man is a legend, and the league is always watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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