Trent Williams Ready to Return for 2025 Season, Confirms GM John Lynch

INDIANAPOLIS — San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch confirmed Wednesday that left tackle Trent Williams is prepared to play in the 2025 NFL season, expressing confidence in the veteran’s motivation and readiness.

“I think he’s really motivated to come back,” Lynch stated during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine. “That’s rarefied air where Trent lives, and when you’re a player with experience playing at those heights, you don’t want to play unless you’re playing at that level. I think that’s where Trent is at.”

Williams, who turns 37 in July, struggled with injuries last season, appearing in only 10 games after suffering an ankle sprain that sidelined him for the last seven matches. His absence contributed to the end of a streak of three consecutive All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances.

This year, Williams is expected to return for his sixth season with the 49ers. After joining the team from the Washington Football Team in a trade during the 2020 draft, he has established himself as a pivotal player on the offensive line, earning three first-team All-Pro honors since his arrival.

“First of all, we’re a lot better when Trent Williams plays, so that would be a good step,” Lynch added, emphasizing the importance of Williams’ presence in the lineup.

As the 49ers look ahead to the offseason, the team faces challenges, including the likely departure of starting left guard Aaron Banks, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Lynch noted the need to bolster the offensive line’s depth, considering injuries can impact any key player’s availability.

“We have to insulate ourselves for him or anyone else missing time,” Lynch said. “You try to get deeper. That’s something we’ll look hard at in the draft. If something fits with our own guys in free agency, you’re always trying to improve that.”

Lynch’s comments come as the 49ers seek to rebound after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024. As part of this improvement strategy, the organization is also focused on the recovery of other key players, including running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, both of whom dealt with significant injuries last season.

McCaffrey, the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is recovering from Achilles tendonitis and a knee injury. Lynch expressed optimism about McCaffrey’s progress and indicated he would be ready for a portion of the offseason workouts.

Aiyuk, who suffered a severe knee injury, is also making strides in his recovery. “He’s doing well,” Lynch reported. “I know that anecdotally, he’s doing very well. Our trainers say he’s putting in the work.”

With these updates, the 49ers are hopeful for a turnaround as they prepare for the upcoming season.