49ers Predicted to Replace 3-Time All-Pro in Near Future

The San Francisco 49ers have built one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean they’re not planning for the future. As speculation over Brandon Aiyuk‘s future continues, San Francisco has other players to ponder, like tackle Trent Williams.

Williams has been with the 49ers since 2020, earning three consecutive first-team All-Pro honors over that span. However, he is 35 years old and ESPN analyst Matt Miller is predicting that the team will draft the University of Oregon’s Ajani Cornelius as his replacement next offseason.

“It was tempting to put Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke or Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen here, but the 49ers have to address the offensive line after ignoring a problem area (again) in the 2024 offseason,” Miller wrote on July 2. “In his first year as a starter, Cornelius locked down the right side of the Oregon line with zero sacks and four pressures allowed. At 6-5 and 308 pounds, he has the length and lateral agility to fit the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme while also giving them a long-term plan for Trent Williams’ eventual retirement.”

San Francisco fans won’t want to think about Williams’ retiring, but it’s the nature of the beast. As good as he’s been, the 49ers have to be ready if he calls it quits in the next few years.

Trent Williams Speaks on Retirement Plans

Williams, a former Oklahoma Sooner, said ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl that retirement isn’t something he’s thinking about yet.

“I haven’t thought about an end,” Williams said on February 9. “I know I’m definitely in for the next couple of years, I’ll revisit it after that. … Winning on Sunday will only make me want to win another one next year.”

While the 49ers were unsuccessful in the 2024 Super Bowl, they are once again frontrunners for the 2025 Super Bowl. Williams is one of many key pieces returning for the 2024 season. Miller even predicts San Francisco to win the Super Bowl next year, evidenced by the fact that the 49ers are drafting in the 32nd spot.

49ers Working to Keep Brandon Aiyuk

The 49ers have Williams locked down through 2026. Aiyuk is potentially under contract for the next two years, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated in late June that Aiyuk could request a trade if the 49ers do not extend him soon.

But in terms of trustworthy reports, the latest comes from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who said on June 26 that the 49ers and Aiyuk had a positive meeting recently.

“This was a good meeting,” Pelissero said. “Both sides said things that needed to be said, and they are going to keep working. There hasn’t never been a trade request from Brandon Aiyuk. That hasn’t changed. The 49ers’ stance hasn’t changed either, despite getting trade calls on Aiyuk going back to draft week. They are moving forward, and they want Aiyuk to be a part of the team in 2024.”

Aiyuk has taken over the lead WR role for the 49ers and wants a contract to reflect that. The 49ers can likely find a way to pay him, but it’s difficult when other players like Williams and RB Christian McCaffrey are on expensive contracts.