Tag: Trent Williams

One potential suitor may be out of running for Trent Williams

San Francisco 49ers free agent LT Trent Williams will have one less suitor after the Jacksonville Jaguars tagged left tackle Cam Robinson.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to use the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. That could effectively take them out of the running for 49ers free agent left tackle Trent Williams.

While Williams at Age 32 may not have wanted to join the rebuilding Jaguars, they were in a financial position to raise the price for the eight-time Pro Bowler out of reach for the less financially flexible 49ers.

Robinson, a second-round pick of the Jags in the 2017 draft, will play the 2021 season under the franchise tag at around $14 million. Williams is ineligible to be tagged by the 49ers because of a clause in his contract.

The 49ers aren’t out of the woods yet on potential bidders that could make it difficult to re-sign Williams at a price they can afford. The Indianapolis Colts are ready to contend for a championship, and they hold the third-most cap space in the league at $70 million – roughly $42 million more than San Francisco. The Jags could also still try and lure Williams east with their $86 million in space.

Williams will be a hot commodity in free agency and is considered by some to now be the best free agent available following quarterback Dak Prescott’s extension with the Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers acquired the left tackle from Washington during last year’s draft in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round selection.

He started all 14 games he played for the 49ers, missing one because of COVID-19 protocols and another because of an end-of-season elbow sprain. Williams earned his eighth Pro Bowl nod and was a Pro Football Focus First-Team All-Pro.

Podcast: Previewing 6 players Jags could sign in free agency

Jags Wire’s James Johnson and Phil Smith discuss how some of the top free agents on the market would help the Jags.

In this week’s episode of “Bleav in the Jaguars,” Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and myself got involved in the free agency frenzy that has been the talk of the NFL community.

With the new league year set to begin in two weeks, we previewed six players who could help the Jags tremendously if they hit the open market. Those six players were divided into groups of three for each side of the ball.

One player we purposely left off was former Jags receiver Allen Robinson due to there being no shortage of coverage on his potential return. Instead, we discussed the pros and cons of his acquisition as he seems open to returning to Jacksonville.

The full episode can be heard below in the media player, while our archived episodes can be revisited here.

Feel free to subscribe to “Bleav in the Jags” via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Touchdown Wire’s Top 101 free agents for the 2021 season

From Dak Prescott to Justin Simmons to Allen Robinson to Richard Sherman, the 2021 NFL free agent class is filled with stars.

The 2021 NFL free-agency period, which officially begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 17, promises to be like few others in the league’s history. Due to projected revenue shortfalls in the age of COVID, the league has anticipated that the 2021 salary cap will be somewhere between $180 million and $185 million per team. That’s down from $198.2 million in the 2020 league year, which obviously puts several teams in a major pinch. Right now, per OverTheCap.com, there are 13 NFL teams over a projected salary cap of $180.5 million, and teams like the Saints ($69,500,461 over) Eagles ($43,189,668 over), Rams ($33,986,331 over), Steelers ($26,131,664 over), and Chiefs ($23,132,376 over) will have to engage in some highly creative accounting just to get into compliance — forget about making any big splashes.

On the other hand, we have teams like the Jaguars ($77,552,150 under the cap), Jets ($67,948,314 under), Patriots ($62,211,837 under), Colts ($43,635,239 under), and Washington ($38,277,074 under). The radical disparity between the haves and the have-nots when it comes to the capacity to spend in free agency could lead to an unusually constricted market, especially for those players who are more rank-and-file than sheer superstar. Not that those players won’t have offers; but those offers might not be what they may have been in previous years. It’s not the fault of the players; it’s simply how the market lands in this particular time. This could result in a lot of free agents taking one-year contracts and shining it on until new television deals and the hope of a more “normal” world make things more equitable in the 2022 league year.

So, let’s talk about free-agent value, at least how we see it at Touchdown Wire. Doug Farrar and Mark Schofield have compiled their list of the top 101 players who should be available as unrestricted free agents, barring any franchise tag designations. That can happen starting March 9, and it’ll probably take the top player on our list (and everybody else’s), but in the case of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, you just never know.

As to our player list, Mark assembled the offensive players, Doug put together the defensive list, and they then compiled the top 101 players, regardless of position.

Here, without further ado, is Touchdown Wire’s Top 101 free agents for the 2021 season.

NFL Free Agency: Potential landing spots for former Oklahoma OT Trent Williams

Former Oklahoma Sooner will test the open market in 2021 free agency. Possible landing spots for the eight-time pro bowl player.

For every NFL franchise, the evaluation process begins during the offseason and acquisitions to address needs start in free agency. Former Oklahoma Sooner All-American, Trent Williams is an impending free agent and will test the open market when the free agency period kicks off on March 17.

Williams is in high demand around the league as an eight-time Pro Bowl blindside tackle, but he comes with a hefty price tag. The money factor could be a drawback for some suitors. Spending a large amount of money on an out-of-house FA in the league rarely comes with a return of investment. Williams certainly has an impressive resume and would strengthen a team’s pass protection, but which teams have the most urgency in bolstering their left tackle spot?

Not only is he an elite pass protector, but he is one of the best run blocking tackles in the NFL. He earned a 91.9 overall grade by PFF following the 2020 season. The San Francisco 49ers have limited cap space available and despite wanting to retain his services, Williams will likely test the market for a better price.

Below are possible landing spots for Trent Williams:

6 Chargers offensive free agent, draft ‘crushes’

With Valentine’s Day here, Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez shares his 2021 NFL draft and free agent crushes for Los Angeles.

‘Tis the season for finding or celebrating your perfect match, and the Chargers will be searching for their own when the 2021 offseason begins.

With the hopes of making a run next season, Los Angeles should push really hard to land six of these offensive players to compliment Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert.

Let’s take a look at which players the Bolts should love:

OT Trent Williams, 49ers

While Sam Tevi had a decent 2020 season, he will be a free agent this offseason. Williams was one the best offensive players for the 49ers in a injury-ravaged season. The 32-year old, who sat our all of 2019 due to a dispute with The Football Team, regained his All-Pro form with San Francisco. Williams earned a 91.9-grade this past season, the highest of any tackle in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Even though he’s getting up there in age, he’s still proven to play the position at a high level, and he would serve well as a stop-gap option.

OL Brandon Scherff, Redskins

Scherff, the four-time Pro Bowler, allowed only one sack and was flagged for just one penalty in 13 games in 2020. A wall in pass protection, Scherff graded as the seventh-best guard in the league this year, per Pro Football Focus. The 29-year old was voted All-Pro in 2020, marking the first of his career. The former Iowa product has battled through some injuries, but he has overcame them and has managed to continue to still play at a high level. With Forrest Lamp and Trai Turner’s future up in the air, Scherff would be an immediate upgrade.

OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

The Chargers should use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman and if Slater’s available at No. 13 overall, it should be a no-brainer. Slater’s production in his final season at Northwestern was eyebrow-raising as he only gave up five pressures in 787 total snaps. Slater opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the draft, but the year before that he stymied Chase Young, No. 2 overall selection of the 2020 NFL draft en route to receiving a 90.1 grade, per PFF. Slater doesn’t possess ideal height or length and could be moved inside, but his athletic skill set and overall technique project well as a premiere blind-side protector.

OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

Radunz only played in one game this past season, but he made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his collegiate career and the Bison went 32-0 in those games. While he needs to get better at finishing blocks, Radunz has the athleticism, range, foot quickness and run-blocking temperament needed for the NFL. With Los Angeles, Radunz is capable of playing either tackle or guard. While he develops more mass and add bulk to his frame, his skillset suggests a high ceiling. If he’s available when Los Angeles is on the clock in the second-round, it would be a home run selection.

OL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Projected as a sixth/seventh-round pick coming into the Senior Bowl, the Division III product made his case to be selected within the top-100 picks. Against the nation’s top defensive linemen, Meinerz was a wall in pass protection and a road-grader in the run game, putting defenders on the turf. On film, Meinerz is a strong, mauling linemen who shows the awareness and power to deliver a blow to defenders. He projects as a center at the next level, but he has the versatility to fill in at every spot along the interior part of the offensive line.

WR Cornell Powell, Clemson

The Chargers could afford to add another target for Herbert this offseason and a player like Powell could a long way. Powell, the 6-foot and 210 pounder, is coming off the best season of his career in 2020 as a redshirt senior. In 12 games, Powell recorded 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns. Powell is a well-built receiver who has the route savvy and suddenness in his breaks to separate along with the good body control, awareness and solid hands along the sidelines.

49ers options if Trent Williams leaves in free agency

From free agency, to the draft, to an Orlando Brown trade, the San Francisco 49ers have options if Trent Williams leaves as a free agent.

The 49ers seem primed to retain left tackle Trent Williams by making him the highest-paid player at his position this offseason. San Francisco knew Williams was on the final year of his contract when they traded fifth and third-round picks to Washington to acquire him. It stands to reason they did so knowing the hefty contract that was sure to come his way in free agency. However, financial constraints and a robust market for the eight-time Pro Bowler could force them to explore other options.

Williams was terrific last season after knocking some rust off early on, and he’ll have earned the sizable contract he’ll get on the free agent market. If he winds up leaving the Bay Area, left tackle becomes the 49ers’ biggest offseason need.

They could elect to go that route in the draft. They hold the No. 12 overall pick, and outside of Oregon’s Penei Sewell, it doesn’t seem likely that more than one tackle will go off the board when they make their pick. Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw and Northwestern’s Rashan Slater could both be available when the 49ers make their selection, but there should be some prospects available later in the first round if they opt to trade back.

Should they not find a suitable replacement in the draft, they could turn to free agency for a shorter-term solution until they can find a long-term option. However, even a starting-caliber left tackle like Pittsburgh’s Alejandro Villanueva isn’t going to come cheap. Most clubs don’t let their high-quality LTs get to free agency, and those that do aren’t going to come much cheaper than Williams. If they wind up having to search for an inexpensive free agent, it’d likely be someone to compete with players already on San Francisco’s roster, and not a player who can be penciled in as a Day 1 starter.

Another interesting possibility involves a trade with the Baltimore Ravens for OT Orlando Brown Jr.

Brown wants to play left tackle after spending most of his career in Baltimore at right tackle, opposite star LT Ronnie Stanley. After Stanley went down with a season-ending ankle injury in Week 8, Brown slid over to left tackle and performed well. Now he’s looking for a permanent move to the blind side.

It wouldn’t be easy for San Francisco to acquire the 2018 third-round pick. He’s a very good player who Baltimore probably isn’t going to be eager to part with. If the 49ers find themselves needing to scoop up a starting left tackle and they aren’t enamored with any prospects in this year’s draft, moving their No. 12 overall pick for Stanely and a Day 2 pick would make sense. He’s an established NFL starter who’s proven to be a good player in the Ravens’ run-heavy scheme.

He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and an extension wouldn’t run the same amount as Williams’ will. If the veteran walks, Brown is an intriguing solution to fill a suddenly massive hole on the 49ers’ roster.

The favorable solution ultimately for San Francisco would be retaining Williams. Both sides want to work out a deal that keeps Williams in red and gold for the foreseeable future, but a team with ample cap space this offseason may be able to price the 49ers out of contention for him. If he does walk, it handcuffs San Francisco in a way that would force them to alter their draft plans, spend in free agency, or seek a trade partner in Baltimore.

ESPN lists OT Trent Williams, 2 other top-50 free agents as best fits with Jags

Super Bowl LV has come and gone, which means the 2021 NFL offseason is officially here for all 32 teams. With the worst record of the 2020 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have the most work to do in terms of roster additions during the …

Super Bowl LV has come and gone, which means the 2021 NFL offseason is officially here for all 32 teams. With the worst record of the 2020 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have the most work to do in terms of roster additions during the process.

For every team in the league, the process of roster additions will begin in free agency. With approximately $77.5 million in available cap space ready to be utilize, the Jags can make multiple key additions and fans should expect them to be quite active as Urban Meyer wants to begin winning as soon as possible.

In a recent article, ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler previewed the top-50 players of the 2021 free agency class and listed the best fits for each player. Of the group, three were deemed as top fits for the Jags, including a multiple time veteran Pro Bowler on the blindside in tackle Trent Williams.

2. Trent Williams, OT

Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

San Francisco tried to re-sign Williams before the regular season but might have missed the window. After a stellar year in the Bay, Williams is eyeing top-shelf tackle money. If he goes to the highest bidder, Jacksonville needs just about everything and has $74 million in cap space. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is a start, though Williams might want to sign with a contender.

With Trevor Lawrence coming to town, Williams has been a popular name in Jacksonville. The reason for that is because Cam Robinson’s contract has expired and the Jags have to decide on what to do at left tackle. That said, Williams would be a significant upgrade on the blindside, but will be 33 years old when the season starts.

In addition to Williams’ age, he’s going to come with a hefty price tag, too. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowler and former second-team all-pro who isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, so if the Jags really want to protect Trevor Lawrence, Williams would be a good player to have a conversation about come March. However, the bigger question may be whether he hits the market or not, and as Fowler pointed out, his willingness to play for a team that doesn’t necessarily have the look of a contender at the moment.

As for the other two fits, Fowler slotted the Jags two players who played for Meyer in college in Curtis Samuel and Cam Newton.

27. Curtis Samuel, WR

Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Urban Meyer recruited Samuel to Ohio State and once considered him his best playmaker since Percy Harvin. A reunion seems natural, as Meyer could use Samuel — more playmaker than elite route runner — all over the field. Samuel will be coveted as a slightly cheaper alternative to the top of the market. Also watch for the 49ers here. They love this style of player.

49. Cam Newton, QB

Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Look, Newton’s cold market last year clearly outlined where the NFL stood with him. He then threw eight touchdowns in 15 games and ranked 30th in ESPN QBR (47.0) while playing on a one-year, $1.75 million contract. Expecting a robust starter’s market for Newton at this stage, after all the injuries, isn’t realistic, and there’s not a clear-cut home if New England doesn’t bring him back. Maybe Washington or someone with familiarity will take a chance.

Otherwise, reuniting with Urban Meyer, his Florida coach, for a season as Trevor Lawrence’s backup isn’t the worst thing.

Anyone who knows Meyer could see him adding Samuel’s speed into the Jags’ offense for Lawrence. However, as we’ve mentioned in the past, the 2021 free agency class could be strong at receiver if you are looking for a player closer to No. 1 or No. 2 status. The group could include Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, Will Fuller IV, and Chris Godwin amongst others. Golladay, in particular, could be intriguing as he was coached by Jags offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell from 2019-20.

With Newton, the Jags would be solidifying their quarterback group and could have arguably one of the better signal-caller situations if Lawrence translates. The veteran has started in 139 career games and has played in the Super Bowl, which means if a team lands him as a QB2, they are getting one of the best options available.

The only issue with Fowler’s thoughts on Newton is that I’m not fully convinced there isn’t a place for him to start, though the options are limited. However, one team that comes to mind is the Washington Football Team as they have Newton’s former head coach and positions coach there in Ron Rivera and Scott Turner. If Newton can’t land anywhere as a QB1, though, Jacksonville could be on his radar, especially when considering it would put him close to his hometown of Atlanta.

Should the Panthers try to trade for Ravens OT Orlando Brown?

Apparently Brown feels strongly enough about it to demand a trade, per Ian Rapoport at NFL Network.

Orlando Brown wants to play left tackle and only left tackle. That’s a problem for the Baltimore Ravens, who plan to put him back at right tackle once Ronnie Stanley returns from his ankle injury.

Apparently Brown feels strongly enough about it to demand a trade, per Ian Rapoport at NFL Network.

A major haul is putting it mildly.

It’s not often a 24-year old offensive tackle the size of a house becomes available.

Brown (6-foot-8, 344 pounds) is one of the league’s most powerul offensive linemen and has been a major factor in Baltimore’s incredible success running the ball these last few years. He’s also a monster in pass protection. In three seasons, he’s only allowed six sacks.

For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus gave Brown a 76.4 grade for the 2020 season, only a little bit higher than Russell Okung’s 73.0. Even if their level of play was that close (it’s not), Okung’s age (32 years) and health history should disqualify him from serious consideration for a new contract.

Carolina’s other options are relatively limited, though.

The only free agent left tackle worth a real push this year is Trent Williams of the 49ers, who could cost $20 million a year. Brown isn’t quite as good as Williams (nobody is), but he’s eight years younger and his ceiling is as high as any team could reasonably ask for.

General manager Scott Fitterer told the media in his first presser that his team would be in on every deal. If that’s the case, then the Panthers definitely have to at least call the Ravens to see what it would take.

The potential fly in the ointment is Brown’s contract situation. His current deal only has one year left, with a cap number of $3.6 million in 2021. So, acquiring Brown would not only require a ton of draft capital, but also a massive contract extension within a year. Given this organization’s other needs (most notably quarterback) and the general state of the roster that’s a hard sell.

Carolina should at least kick the tires here, but drafting a left tackle early is still the best choice.

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Three former Oklahoma Sooners ranked among NFL’s top 101 players

The annual list from Pro Football Focus ranked the top 101 players in the league. Three former Oklahoma Sooners made the final cut.

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The annual tradition after the Super Bowl has concluded is to rank the players from season. Pro Football Focus has their top 101 players in the NFL, much like the college version. The Sooners had six players on the college list, for the NFL three made the final cut.

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Replacing one of the greatest players in a franchise’s history is never easy. Trent Williams not only did that but actually provided an upgrade to the level Joe Staley was playing at when he retired — high-level play in its own right. Williams allowed 19 total pressures all season, but it was his run blocking that was a tapestry of peerless artwork that belongs in a museum. Williams regularly buried defenders who tried to get past his block, opening up major running lanes for the 49ers’ ground game. His highlight reel this season is absolutely absurd.

Last year Williams was unranked on the list, due to the fact that he did not play in the 2019 season.

Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to imagine Baker Mayfield landing on this list if you watched him play in Week 1, when the Baltimore Ravens took Cleveland’s offense to pieces as it tried to put all of the pieces together with little offseason and no preseason games to work through the issues. Mayfield and the rest of the offense just continued to get better and better throughout the campaign, and he finished with 31 big-time throws — just two behind Josh Allen on the season. Mayfield rebuilt his game on the fly and kept coming up with answers to every new challenge he faced.

Mayfield was not ranked on last year’s list but a new head coach in Kevin Stefansky did him good. He drastically reduced his turnovers from 2019.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyler Murray is one of the league’s most electrifying players. While his passing didn’t take the huge leap this season many expected, he still improved his PFF passing grade over last year by more than 16 grading points. Despite being hampered by injury, he also added 11 rushing touchdowns, 52 first downs on the ground and over 400 scramble yards.

Murray went from unranked in his rookie season to No. 71. PFF notes that he is one of the most electrifying players and he had one of the most memorable moments of the 2020 season.

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Panthers potential 2021 free agent targets: OT Trent Williams

As far as other free agent options go, there’s only one name really worth considering: Trent Williams of the 49ers.

The Panthers have had an issue at left tackle for almost a decade now. Trading Trai Turner for Russell Okung last year was just the latest failed attempt to fill the hole that’s been there since the retirement of Jordan Gross. Okung missed half the season due to injuries and he’s about to become a free agent in a few weeks, so it’s back to the drawing board at this spot.

As far as other free agent options go, there’s only one name really worth considering: Trent Williams of the 49ers.

Pros

On the surface, it may seem like Okung and Williams are too similar and therefore it would make more sense to just re-sign Okung. Both will be 33 years old next season and both made around $13 million in 2020. However, there’s a huge difference in their level of play. Okung is a good left tackle and has been most of his career. When healthy, Williams is an elite left tackle and just had a far better year than Okung. Pro Football Focus says his 0.4 WAR was the best for any tackle since they started grading in 2006 and they gave him a 91.9 grade for the year compared to 73.0 for Okung.

Cons

Williams’ relatively advanced age is the x-factor. While he’s a massive upgrade over Okung, he’s also not going to be the long-term starter no matter how well he might perform in 2021 and 2022. His price-tag is also likely to be a sticking point. PFF is projecting he’ll make $20 million per season on his next deal, while Spotrac says his market value is $18.2 million a year. Either way, signing Williams would be a huge investment.

Conclusion

You don’t win Super Bowls by being cheap. Left tackle is arguably the next-most important position on offense after quarterback and it’s been a problem area far too long. If Carolina could draft a guaranteed long-term starter that would be preferable, but aside from Penei Sewell nobody in this class has a ceiling anywhere near Williams’. He’s by far the best player who will be available at this position in 2021 and if the Panthers make only one big-ticket signing this year it should probably be him.

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