The 49ers may not be 100-percent set at quarterback, but they are willing to spend the big bucks in order to protect whoever ends up under center next season.
As far as the 49ers are concerned, it appears that they would reportedly prefer that big money -- $20 million of it in fact -- to go to offensive tackle Trent Williams, who officially became a free agent on Monday.
Breer has already previously asserted the 49ers' interest in re-signing Williams in a report on Monday Morning, while also adding a potential list of suitors should Williams leave the Bay Area, including Indianapolis and Kansas City.
"I think he’ll stay in San Francisco. But I don’t think the Niners will get it done without paying more than they probably figured they’d have to when they traded for him during last year’s draft, and, accordingly, I’ve heard they’re willing to go to $20 million per year to keep him," Breer said in his report. "As for potential suitors to drive that price up, remember, when the trade happened, Minnesota was very much in it—and the Vikings just cut their left tackle, Riley Reiff. Then there are other high-end contenders, like Indianapolis and Kansas City, that have a need at the position."
Williams, who played 14 games for San Francisco last season, is one of the top pass protectors in today's NFL, grading out as Pro Football Focus's top offensive tackle in 2020.