Trent Williams, the best player of the San Francisco 49ers, finally ends his strike

• Back in time for week 1: The future Hall of Famer has reportedly settled his contract dispute and will be back in time for the 49ers’ Week 1 game against the New York Jets.

• One of the best who ever did it: Williams posted very high run-blocking grades every year with the 49ers, including a 97.7 run-blocking grade in 2021, which ranks as the best in PFF history of any offensive lineman. His work in pass defense was equally exceptional, allowing only two sacks in the last three seasons.

• PFF Premium Stats has everything you need: Click here to access the world’s most advanced football database.

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

The San Francisco 49ers are loaded with star power on both sides of the ball. Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and a variety of other factors form the foundation that ensures the team remains in the competition every year.

However, their best player for years was the left tackle Trent Williams. And the future Hall of Famer has reportedly just settled his contract dispute and will be back in time for the 49ers’ Week 1 game against the New York Jets.

Williams’ grade profile during his time in San Francisco speaks for itself.

Trent Williams: Overall grades with ranking among offensive tackles

Last season, Williams was the first not leads all tackles in the overall ranking since his move to San Francisco, a testament to how good Detroit’s Penn Sewell played last season. Even in his mid-thirties, Williams has not experienced a drop in performance.

The veteran tackle was a perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, posting very high run-blocking grades each year with the 49ers, including a 97.7 run-blocking grade in 2021 that ranks as the best in PFF history for any offensive lineman.

His work in pass defense was equally exceptional, allowing only two sacks in the last three seasons.

Williams’ personal value is immense, but he may be more valuable to San Francisco than almost any other player. The 49ers have struggled to achieve excellence at their other four positions on the offensive line, especially in pass defense.

San Francisco 49ers: Pass blocking grades at every position in 2023

The rest of the 49ers’ offensive line will need to improve if they want to win a Super Bowl. Despite Williams playing in all but two games last season, the 49ers finished 24th in the NFL in pass blocking. Brock Purdy was pressured on about half of his dropbacks in the Super Bowl last season, which was a major reason the team couldn’t complete its championship run.

Any absence could have had dire consequences for the 49ers’ offense. During the two games Williams missed last season due to injury, San Francisco’s offensive line ranked 28th overall in the NFL.

Much has been said about the 49ers’ contract dispute with wide receiver Brandon Aiyukbut a solution to their conflict with Trent Williams was probably more important. With the future Hall of Famer in tow, the 49ers enter another season as the main contender for the Lombardi Trophy.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO PFF+