49ers Trent Williams set to return for 14th NFL season in 2024
Jan 18, 2024, 8:18 AM | Updated: 8:26 am
Jeff Bottari/Getty Images
If there was any doubt about the future of Trent Williams, the Texas native squashed that narrative quickly.
The San Francisco 49ers All-Pro left tackle told Bay Area media that he would be returning for his 14th NFL season in 2024, regardless of what happens during this postseason run. Williams had previously contemplated retirement following the 49ers’ playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last season. But after a few weeks of deliberation, the big man realized he had more left in the tank.
This time around, there was no thinking it over on his return next season.
“Oh, yeah,” Williams told reporters Wednesday, per Eric Branch of the SF Chronicle. “One hundred percent.”
Trent Williams has had a hall-of-fame career thus far, making his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl this season. The stud offensive lineman joined other Hall of Famers Anthony Muñoz, Jonathan Ogden and Willie Roaf for the most selections among offensive tackles in NFL history.
Not only does Williams want to break that record by receiving his 12th Pro Bowl nod next season, he wants to become only the sixth offensive lineman since 1925 to play into his 40s.
“I want to break the record for tackles,” Williams said. “That’s a big thing for me.”
Trent Williams reflects on earning his eleventh-straight Pro-Bowl nod ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HRgrxOTiWU
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) January 18, 2024
The Texas native was unaware of his impending leap into exclusive company. Once he learned of it, Williams surprised even himself with his reaction to joining arguably the Mount Rushmore of OTs.
“I’m not an emotional guy,” Williams said. “So I didn’t cry or nothing, so don’t go writing that. But it did take me back a little bit. I remember just dreaming about making my first Pro Bowl: ‘What do I have to do to get in that conversation? ’ And then fast forward 11 years later, I’m in my 11th straight Pro Bowl.
“It was one of those moments where you’re working so hard, you look back and you’re like, ‘Dang I accomplished all that.’ … I definitely dropped to my knees and thanked God. Because that’s not promised. You can have an amazing Hall-of-Fame career and still not see 11 Pro Bowls. So I’m super proud of that.”
Trent Williams, 35, joined the 49ers via trade in the 2020 offseason from Washington. That deal has worked out immensely for the Red & Gold, ranking at the top of left tackles every season. In 2023, Williams sports an 89.7 Pro Football Focus grade, not allowing a sack all year.
Williams has three years remaining on his deal after this season, likely to finish out his storied NFL career with the 49ers.
Upcoming schedule for the San Francisco 49ers
- January 20th – vs. Green Bay Packers (NFC Divisional Round)
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