• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 28, 2025

Historic Trent Williams Deal Closes Salary Gap for Non-QBs

  • The San Francisco 49ers have made 8-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
  • Williams agreed to a six-year, $138.06 million contract that competes with quarterback deals.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The San Francisco 49ers made eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. 

Entering his twelfth season in the league, Williams agreed to a six-year, $138.06 million contract that includes $55.1 million in guaranteed money along with a $30.1 million signing bonus. His career earnings before Wednesday were $108.3 million, per Spotrac. 

The deal follows Williams’ first season with the 49ers after a trade from the Washington Football Team that was fueled by a contract dispute and an alleged mishandling of his cancer diagnosis. Williams believed that Washington lacked urgency in response to his concerns about an enlarged growth on his head.

Before the agreement between Williams and the 49ers, David Bakhtiari was the highest-paid lineman, signing a four-year, $105.5 million extension in November with the Green Bay Packers. 

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys made quarterback Dak Prescott the highest-paid player in league history with a four-year, $160 million deal to stay in Dallas. The contract included $126 million in guaranteed money and a no-trade clause.

Williams was considered the best free agent available this offseason. The NFL’s “legal tampering period” started on Monday with the official opening of free agency on Wednesday, the start of a new league year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Why NFL Believes Christmas Can Rival Thanksgiving Day

“We’re seeing what the ceiling is with Thanksgiving.”
Nov 21, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Chiefs vs. Cowboys Could Draw Record 50M-Plus Viewers

One exec describes Thanksgiving showdown as a “perfect storm” for TV ratings.

NFL Morning Games Break Ratings Record As Global Slate Grows

International games on NFL Network averaged 6.2 million viewers.

Goodell: NFL Close to Adding a ‘Couple More’ International Games

The league debuted in Spain on Sunday to finish this season’s slate.

Featured Today

How NBA Arena Experiences Went Ultra-Luxe

For the most connected guests, the game has become a secondary attraction.
Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium.
November 24, 2025

Stafford, Rams Rise From the Pack to Super Bowl Contention

The NFL team now has the top odds to win Super Bowl LX.
Nov 16, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrate after scoring during extra time against Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium
November 22, 2025

The NWSL Is Growing at Breakneck Pace. Can It Keep Surging?

While the league surges, it also must survive two major challenges.
Trinity Rodman
November 20, 2025

NWSL Regular-Season Ratings See Big Surge, Playoffs Up 5%

Regular-season viewership grew by over 20%, averaging more than 200,000.
Christian Ponder

Christian Ponder Wants to Help Athletes Succeed After Sports

The ex-NFL QB’s club prepares athletes for their post-career.
November 21, 2025

Trade Rumors Swirl Around LaMelo Ball and his $168M Contract

LaMelo Ball responded to the report with a clown emoji.
November 25, 2025

Jalen Duren’s Emergence Will Be Expensive for Red-Hot Pistons

Duren and the Pistons did not agree to an extension last summer.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
Steph Curry
November 19, 2025

Steph Curry Is Free to Stop Wearing Under Armour Shoes in Games

A source tells FOS Curry can stop sporting UA—even in games.
Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James wears the Arizona Wildcats jersey of his son Bryce James (6) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
November 18, 2025

LeBron James’s Return Imminent As NBA Star Injuries Pile Up

A lot of NBA stars have been injured early in the season.
Draymond Green
November 18, 2025

Draymond Green Avoids NBA Fine for Confronting ‘Angel Reese’ Heckler

Green has a history of fines and suspensions for his behavior.
Iga Swatiek
November 18, 2025

Cincinnati Open Returns to Sunday Final After ‘Extreme’ US Open Turnaround 

The tournament also announced record attendance numbers in 2025.