The Chicago Bears are locked in on building themselves into a stronger contender, and that process currently has the team in Indianapolis for the 2026 Scouting Combine. While draft prospects take center stage during the combine, the week also offers the league an opportunity to address other business. As a result, the Combine typically generates a ton of headlines.
One headline that has already emerged from this year’s combine, which the Bears should be paying attention to, is that San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams could become a free agent this offseason. On Tuesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Williams and San Francisco could be headed towards a divorce, as they are currently in a standoff over his 2026 cap number.
If the tackle is ultimately released, the Bears should be prepared to do whatever it takes to land the future Hall of Fame offensive lineman.
With five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams scheduled to carry a $39 million cap number this season, he and the 49ers currently are struggling to find a contractual solution, per league sources. If the two sides can’t bridge their differences in their standoff, Williams… pic.twitter.com/gJlCpTHSlz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2026
49ers left tackle Trent Williams could become a free agency option for Bears
Williams, a 12-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro player, is entering the final year of a three-year deal worth $82.66 million. As Schefter pointed out, that breaks down to a cap hit just under $39 million in 2026. For a talented 49ers team that always has ongoing contract situations, they will have a hard time affording that number. That’s why the NFL legend could soon be looking for a new team.
Chicago, being his next team, makes a ton of sense. Williams turns 38 in July, but he’s still playing at a quality level, so signing a short-term deal with the Bears could be beneficial for both sides. For the veteran lineman, he’d join a contending team that could give him an opportunity to win a Super Bowl, something that has eluded him in his career. For Chicago, it will have an elite left tackle protecting Caleb Williams, something that’s especially needed with Ozzy Trapilo possibly missing all of the 2026 season.
Read more: Bears’ chances of taking the next step come down to this boiling question
The path to Williams isn’t available yet, and there’s nothing the Bears can do now but hope that Trent Williams and San Francisco can’t get on the same page. If the tackle does become available, Chicago needs to be prepared to beat out any other teams that want to land him.