A core piece of the San Francisco 49ers revealed his retirement plans on Wednesday, less than two months after signing a contract extension.
The 49ers and their fans don’t need a reminder about how quickly their Super Bowl window is closing. All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey turns 30 on Sunday. Linebacker Fred Warner (30 in November), edge rusher Nick Bosa (29 in October) and veteran tight end George Kittle (33 in October) are also getting up there in age.
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Not only that, but star offensive tackle and future Hall of Famer Trent Williams will be 38 when the 2026 season begins. So if there’s a time for the 49ers to get over the hump with this star-studded core, it has to be now.
Williams signed a two-year extension worth $50 million on April 20, shortly before the 2026 NFL Draft. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the 12-time Pro Bowler said he will “probably” retire after the 2027 campaign, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.
“I’m toying between the idea of going until I can’t no more and just leaving while I’ve still got some good product left and I get ran out of the league,” Williams said. “It’s been a long time. I had a daughter that she was born three months before I got drafted, so I’m going on year 17 and she’s turning 17. As a father, you feel like I’ve kind of felt like I missed her whole life.”
He added that plans can always change, noting “it’s hard not to compete when you can.”
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After 10 years with Washington, Williams was traded to the 49ers in the 2020 offseason. He has helped the club to four playoff berths, three trips to the NFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl 58 appearance.
Trent Williams and 49ers Open 2026 Season vs. Los Angeles Rams
Trent Williams speaking to reporters.
(Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 49ers will begin their 2025 season against the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams, the overwhelming Super Bowl favorites. The two clubs will meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the NFL’s first game in Australia) on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Ten days later, the 49ers will host the Miami Dolphins, the first contest of a three-game home stand.
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Jun 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.