Report: 49ers making 'strong offers' to Williams, hopeful of deal
The San Francisco 49ers are apparently doing all they can to retain Trent Williams before the Pro Bowl left tackle hits free agency.
"I'm told they've made strong offers for him so far in their negotiations and are hopeful that something will get done, perhaps before the start of the league year," NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday on "NFL Now."
The 49ers "are trying their best to get this deal done," added Garafolo.
Williams hinted at re-signing with San Francisco earlier in the week, though Garafolo said the veteran expects a market-value deal if he's to stay with the NFC West club.
The 32-year-old will be one of the biggest names on the open market if he doesn't reach a deal with the 49ers. Williams was ranked as the No. 1 player on theScore's top 100 free agents of 2021.
Williams will likely command a deal near the top of the left tackle market. Green Bay Packers veteran David Bakhtiari's $23 million per season currently leads the position.
Williams returned to top-tier form and made his eighth career Pro Bowl appearance after being traded from the Washington Football Team last offseason following a year away from football.
The two-day negotiating period begins Monday ahead of the official start of free agency Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.