Where will Trent Williams land?
By: Jake Rajala
Trent Williams is a sure-fire future Hall of Famer. He has been first team All-Pro three times and second team All-Pro twice. He has also made 12 Pro Bowls. With that said, Williams is being paid an enormous amount of money. So, it makes some sense that he is traded. He has bled for numerous teams (Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers) With that said, I’m going to lay out the best landing spots for him.
Houston Texans
I’m not falling in love with Aireontae Ersey, who is the Texans left tackle. He had a PFF grade of 58.9 last season. It’s a concern that his run blocking grade was 51.8. They already cut Joe Mixon, who was meant to be the bell cow RB. Their running game has a bleak outlook. Aireontae also allowed eight sacks last season. The Texans passing game wasn’t exactly daunting in the recent playoff contest (as Stroud unleashed four interceptions in the divisional round).
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions signed Larry Borom to a one year deal worth $5 million dollars. He is an OT3 in my opinion. He recorded a PFF grade of 60.7, which was good enough for 64th among OTs. The Lions shipped away David Montgomery to the Houston Texans and acquired Isiah Pacheco. It was a downgrade. I’d love to see them make an addition that can help their running game. We know the Lions have firepower with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon St. Brown, and Jameson Williams. It’s time to get more beef upfront.
New York Jets
The New York Jets don’t only need a quarterback (and I don’t believe Geno Smith is the answer). They also need a blindside protector. If Williams goes to the Big Apple, he would help the Jets pass protect at a superb level. I expect them to draft a QB early in the draft. Olu was a rookie last season and he gave up six sacks. He also had a PFF grade of 69.2. Trent could also aid their running game with Breece Hall (who was franchise tagged). The AFC East doesn’t have the best group of pass rushers on the bright side.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It would be unfair to not give their 42 year old QB (Aaron Rodgers) the utmost proper protection. The Steelers current starting LT Broderick Jones had a PFF grade of 57.7 a season ago. To make matters worse, the Steelers have to play Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson twice a season each. They acquired Michael Pitman, so they are on the right track. The Steelers also brought in Rico Dowdle (from the Panthers) in free agency, so it’s time to address the need for help on their OL.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins need to get back to the days where they bullied defenses with Jake Long at LT. The Phins went from a threat with their vertical passing game to losing their QB1 and WR1 from last season. I like that they went out and got a QB in Malik Willis. It’s time to pair him with Williams on their team. Their current LT is none other than Patrick Paul, who is entering his third season. He recorded a PFF grade of 66.2, which pegged him as the 45th best OT.
New Orleans Saints
I would consider the Saints as a darkhorse to land Williams. They already have the 2025 first round pick Kelvin Banks, who was a modest rookie last season. Williams still had a pass blocking grade of 70 by PFF. Tyler Shough, who suffered significant, numerous injuries, in college may be more satisfied with an “excellent” blind-side protector. The Saints already took a big step toward fixing the running game by adding Travis Etienne this offseason. The Saints were 28th in rushing yards last season. Williams could help Etienne unleashed another 1k rushing yard season.
New England Patriots
Just as the Saints have a “young and talented” tackle, the Patriots also have an ascending, second year tackle in the 6’8 Will Campbell. If the Pats want to take a step above last season, they need to look at unique ways to improve. Williams can really help Drake Maye, who was second place in the MVP voting last season, take the next step forward. Williams could also help his team against foes in the AFC playoffs (like the Texans and Broncos).
There should be plenty of interest in Williams if the 49ers are actively looking to trade him. I imagine that five teams from the AFC and two teams from the NFC have the best shot at landing the behemoth tackle. I absolutely would prefer to see Williams join a team that made the playoffs last season, or join a team that looks to make a jump from last season into the playoffs next season (such as the Detroit Lions).
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