49ers’ first round pick would rather have a $60 million contract and a Super Bowl ring than a $200 million mega-deal

Before entering the NFL, he would prefer a ring and a trip to Canton than resetting the market at the position.

The San Francisco 49ers value character. That was something John Lynch said he coveted during his introductory press conference as the 49ers’ general manager. While there has been a rare player who doesn’t fit that profile, it’s safe to say the 49ers made sure they didn’t get bad apples.

If you want character in the 49ers’ first-round selection from the 2025 NFL Draft, this Mykel Williams quote should make you feel better. We have gone through offseason after offseason of drama, contracts, and being the highest paid—and understanding it given just how good some of these players have worked out. Why shouldn’t they try to get the most money that they can?

That said, there’s always Williams’ answer to this question. During an interview on the Danza Project, Williams was asked if he had a choice between a $150-$200 million mega deal or a $60 million deal, but with a Super Bowl ring, what would he go with?

Williams didn’t hesitate with the answer:

“That’s a legacy. You know how many people have won an NFL ring? A ring decides whether you go to the Hall of Fame or not. Sometimes, that’s what it comes down to: has he won a Super Bowl or not? Winning a Super Bowl is your legacy. So yeah, I’d go Super Bowl [ring]”

We don’t know what will happen with Williams’ career. We don’t know if the 49ers will pick up his 5th year option while he threatens to sit out the option unless a long-term mega deal is made. We don’t know if he’ll even be that good. And again, if he is worth a record-setting deal, why shouldn’t he fight for every penny?

On that note, that answer certainly indicates he may go a different direction if that scenario unfolds. Compared to some of the other answers you get (or lack thereof), it certainly helps to know he wants to win and not be the highest paid at the end of the day (should it go that far).

There are many other things to consider: Is he guaranteed the ring? What’s the rest of the team looking like? Does he feel like he’s underpaid compared to others? It’s not so black and white when you think of those scenarios, a handful of players with contracts the team has to balance against yours, and the outlook on that team for the future.

Does what he said make the pick even more? Or are you waiting to see the scenario firsthand?