What happened

The San Francisco 49ers opted not to exercise the $10 million option bonus in left tackle Trent Williams' contract on March 20. This pushes his 2026 cap hit to nearly $47 million. The team still plans to re-sign him via restructure before the NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Williams remains one of the NFL's top tackles, crucial for protecting the quarterback and maintaining offensive line integrity amid 49ers' contender status. Uncertainty could influence playoff futures odds and props; past restructures show commitment despite injury history. Cap space preservation aids other roster moves in competitive NFC West.

What to watch

Watch for restructure agreement before NFL Draft to avert holdout. Monitor 49ers' OT draft plans and cap transactions.