Trent Williams wasn't part of the roster during last season's run. The 49ers acquired the tackle in April via a trade with Washington, hoping he could replace veteran Joe Staley and help the team reach its goal.
While an insurmountable number of injuries derailed San Francisco's season, Williams sounds confident that the team isn't far off from once again contending for a championship. The tackle believes staying healthy will be the key to a bounce-back campaign in 2021.
"I honestly think if we had the same team that we opened up camp with, and obviously getting Deebo [Samuel] back, I honestly think that we would be fighting for the number one seed right now," Williams told reporters on Thursday. "I think the proof is in the pudding. They did it last year, so it's not like I'm just reaching for something out of thin air.
"I definitely think that's our potential, and that's where we should have been if we wasn't so banged up."
RELATED
Williams is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. The 49ers want him back, and the offensive lineman has expressed a desire to return. Williams will be 33 years old at the start of next season. Has he thought about how many more seasons he has ahead of him?
"A few years ago, I would have told you maybe I wanted to be the one to walk out," Williams said. "I don't want to be pushed out the door. Obviously, I would want to leave on top. But now, after going through what I went through, taking a year off from football, and thinking that my career was already over, now I feel like they might have to scrape me off the field.
"I might be 40 trying to get down in a stance. Somebody's going to have to tell me. I'm going to need some good friends because, at this point, I'm thinking they'll probably have to scrape me off the field."
Williams made it clear that he's at the place in his career where he doesn't want to go to a team that is looking to rebuild. That's another reason why he likes the idea of returning to the 49ers. Williams feels that with better luck on the injury front, San Francisco is set to compete immediately.
"I definitely don't want to be part of a rebuilding process," Williams said. "I'm a little too long in the tooth for that. So yeah, I think that would be a very important thing to me. And obviously, I'd put our healthy roster up against anybody's roster. That's how I look at it."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injuries: Trent Williams may not return this season; Isaac Guerendo won't practice
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided key injury updates ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 16 road game against the Miami Dolphins. Two notable absences from Wednesday's practice will be left tackle Trent Williams and running back... -
George Kittle sends clear message about Brock Purdy's value and future 49ers contract
With the San Francisco 49ers unlikely to make the playoffs this season, attention has already turned to the offseason, where quarterback Brock Purdy's contract status will undoubtedly be a key storyline. The 49ers can begin extension talks with Purdy, their third-year... -
Why Nick Bosa is 'excited' for the future of the 49ers D-line
The upcoming offseason could bring significant changes for the San Francisco 49ers as they look to reshape their roster following a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, pass rusher Nick Bosa believes the defensive line is finally hitting its stride and hopes the unit can... -
49ers vs. Dolphins final injury report: Guerendo, Williams ruled out for Sunday; Bosa, Greenlaw questionable
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 16 contest against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Both teams have released their official injury reports, which are provided below. San Francisco 49ers Out RB Isaac Guerendo...