The San Francisco 49ers got their man when they signed starting offensive tackle Trent Williams this offseason, but while San Francisco was ecstatic, at least one NFL observer thinks the deal represents a risk for the 49ers.
Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic consulted with OvertheCap.com’s Jason Fitzgerald to give praise or raise questions regarding moves made by each NFL team leading up to the NFL Draft. The two covered every NFL squad, and when they finally got to the NFC West, Fitzgerald had some highly negative comments about the San Francisco 49ers’ deal with Williams.
First, Kapadia talked about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and his doubts about general manager John Lynch’s claim that he’ll keep their veteran signal-caller even if he drafts a QB with the No. 3 overall selection in the upcoming draft.
Then Kapadia wrote this about San Francisco, complete with quotes from Fitzgerald.
As for their other moves, the big one was signing left tackle Trent Williams to a monster deal that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. Fitzgerald thought that was a huge gamble.
“I hated the Trent Williams contract,” he said. “I think $23 million a year, and I know the front end is about $20 million a year, but a guy who has a history of missing three to four games a season, was suspended once, 33 years old. I hate that contract.”
The Athletic/Sheil Kapadia
Fitzgerald’s dislike for the deal is extremely strong, which is a surprise, given how much the 49ers wanted Williams back.
While he has a point about Williams’ age, he doesn’t account for perhaps the largest reason for Lynch to sign Williams: he knows coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense like the back of his hand. That’s something money can’t buy.
Or can it? The San Francisco 49ers shelled out the dough for just that, and time will tell if this deal boon or swoon for Lynch.
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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