The extension ends the contract standoff and eases the high cap concerns Williams carried into the 2026 campaign. With Williams firmly in place, the team appears poised to focus draft emphasis on strengthening the offensive line rather than finding a replacement for him.
A 49ers insider suggests the club will not select an offensive tackle in the first round. Instead, the emphasis could be on adding interior line help that can support Williams and keep him at peak performance.
Two interior-line targets cited in discussions are guards Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M and Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech. If the 49ers stay at 27 overall, these players could be considered as potential options to fortify the guard position and create a more powerful run and pass protection unit.
Williams has been a cornerstone of San Francisco’s offensive line since 2020, helping stabilize the unit amid ups and downs at other spots. With his future secured, improving depth and strength along the line could unlock even higher offensive ceiling for the offense.
Beyond offensive line upgrades, the 49ers could also explore first-round options at wide receiver or defensive back, or consider trading out of the first round to accumulate additional assets. Historically, the team has found notable value in later rounds, which could shape their draft approach this year.
