Trent Williams missed the final seven games of the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 season owing to an ankle injury, but there is no thought of the future Hall of Fame tackle calling it a career.

Williams' absence down the stretch was one of several that contributed to a significantly underwhelming 6-11 season as the 49ers posted their first losing record since the 2020 campaign.

His struggles in overcoming his ankle issue has understandably prompted some questions about Williams' long-term future. He will be 37 by the time the 2025 season begins and, though he has previously been open about a desire to play into his 40s, the possibility of Williams retiring was brought up in the end-of-season press conference with head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. 

Asked if there were any doubts about Williams playing in 2025, Lynch replied:

"No. Trent’s doing well. He had a bruise in the ankle joint and it probably took a little longer than anyone anticipated, but sometimes that happens. And the good news is, it’s taken a positive turn. Trent’s mindset is where it always is and he’s still very interested in being a great player that he is. And I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank. So, Trent’s committed as ever and we love having Trent Williams a part of us."

It's understandable the 49ers enjoy having an 11-time Pro Bowler at left tackle, but the fact they have confidence in Williams should not preclude the Niners from addressing one of the biggest issues on their roster, a lack of depth at tackle.

Right tackle Colton McKivitz is an average to below average starter on whom the 49ers should be looking to upgrade.

But their deficiencies behind McKivitz and Williams were exposed when swing tackle Jaylon Moore and guard Spencer Burford, an emergency option at tackle, also went down for the final few weeks of the season.

That forced the 49ers to bring in Austen Pleasants and Charlie Heck, both of whom saw time at left tackle as San Francisco closed out the year.

The Niners were very unfortunate with their injuries at tackle. However, though Williams has earned their faith, the 49ers cannot rely on him staying healthy for an entire season. He has not completed a full regular season for San Francisco in his career with the team, and the reality is more insurance is needed behind an all-time great. 

San Francisco neglected the tackle position last offseason and, even with Williams seemingly in good shape for 2025, that's a mistake the franchise cannot afford to make again. 

Repeating a lack of investment in quality depth would increase the risk of the 49ers' 2025 season going the same way as the 2024 campaign if Williams was to again go down with an injury that robbed quarterback Brock Purdy of his protection for an extended period. San Francisco won just one of the final seven games after Williams suffered his injury in Week 11.

There's a strong chance the 49ers will look to bring back Moore, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, but that cannot be their only move at tackle. 

An heir apparent for Williams with the ability to immediately challenge McKivitz at right tackle must be under consideration, along with more moves to shore up the depth at a position that is crucial to the success of Purdy and the offense.

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