The NFL’s newly introduced Protector of the Year Award, set to honor the league’s best offensive lineman starting in 2025, has sparked significant buzz among fans and analysts. Among the top candidates is San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, a future Hall of Famer widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles of his generation. But will Williams claim this inaugural award? Let’s dive into the factors that could determine his chances.
Trent Williams’ Case for the Award
Trent Williams, now 36, has an illustrious career marked by 11 Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, including three consecutive first-team All-Pro nods from 2021 to 2023. His dominance as a left tackle is undeniable, with exceptional athleticism, strength, and technique that have made him a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive line since his trade to the team in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Williams posted a 91.9 grade in 2020, ranking first among tackles, and even in a shortened 2024 season, he earned pass- and run-blocking grades above 81.4 while allowing just one sack in 381 pass-blocking snaps.
Williams’ impact on the 49ers’ offense is profound. Next Gen Stats show that San Francisco averaged 5.2 yards per carry when running to the left side with Williams on the field, compared to just 3.2 yards without him. His ability to protect quarterback Brock Purdy’s blindside and open lanes for running back Christian McCaffrey makes him a catalyst for one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. CBS Sports highlights him as the second-most likely candidate for the award, noting that when healthy and motivated, Williams is “maybe the NFL’s top wrecking ball of a bookend.”
Challenges to Williams’ Candidacy
Despite his elite performance, there are hurdles that could impact Williams’ chances. His age and injury history are significant concerns. Turning 37 in July 2025, Williams missed the final seven games of the 2024 season due to a lingering ankle injury, limiting him to just 10 games. This marked the second consecutive year he missed multiple games, and he hasn’t played a full season since 2013. PFF ranked him as the 98th-best player in the NFL for 2024, citing his lack of durability as a key factor.
The 49ers’ overall team performance could also play a role. The Protector of the Year Award, decided by a panel of former offensive linemen, considers metrics like skills, impact, leadership, durability, and strength of opponents. A strong 49ers offense, driven by Purdy, McCaffrey, and Deebo Samuel, could bolster Williams’ case, but San Francisco’s disappointing 6-9 record in 2024 and their elimination from playoff contention may cast a shadow. If the 49ers fail to rebound in 2025, voters might lean toward linemen from more successful teams.
The Competition
Williams faces stiff competition from other elite offensive linemen. USA Today lists Philadelphia Eagles’ Lane Johnson as a top candidate, praising his role in Philly’s dominant offensive line and their league-best rushing offense in 2024. Other notable contenders include:
Creed Humphrey (Chiefs): A consistent center who has protected Patrick Mahomes and earned All-Pro honors, though Kansas City’s offensive line struggled in Super Bowl LIX.
Penei Sewell (Lions): Known for his versatility and reliability, Sewell has missed just one start in his career and anchors Detroit’s high-powered offense.
Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers): Wirfs earned a league-best 94.1 pass-blocking grade from PFF in 2024, making him a formidable pass protector.
Rashawn Slater (Chargers): A well-rounded tackle who could gain recognition if the Chargers’ offense improves under Jim Harbaugh.
These players, many of whom are younger and have fewer injury concerns, could challenge Williams if he misses significant time in 2025.
Motivation and Future Outlook
Williams’ motivation appears to be at an all-time high. After signing a restructured three-year, $82.66 million contract in September 2024, he expressed a strong desire for future security and a commitment to the 49ers. General Manager John Lynch confirmed Williams’ return for 2025, noting that he is “really motivated” and has “a lot left in the tank.” Williams himself has voiced ambitions to break the Pro Bowl record for tackles and even play until age 40, suggesting he’s far from ready to retire.
The personal tragedy of losing his son to a stillborn pregnancy in 2024 may also fuel his drive. Williams returned to the team after teammate Ricky Pearsall’s shooting incident, citing a desire to support his teammates. This leadership and resilience could resonate with the award’s voting panel, which values intangibles like leadership and impact.
Prediction
Trent Williams is undeniably a top contender for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year Award in 2025. His elite performance, when healthy, and his critical role in the 49ers’ offense make him a strong candidate. However, his age and injury history pose risks, and the competition is fierce with younger, durable linemen like Sewell and Wirfs in the mix. If Williams plays at least 14 games in 2025 and the 49ers’ offense performs at an elite level, he has a strong shot at winning the award, potentially cementing his legacy as the NFL’s best tackle. If injuries persist or the 49ers struggle, voters may favor a lineman from a more successful team.
Ultimately, Williams’ chances hinge on his health and the 49ers’ success. Given his track record and motivation, I predict he has a 40% chance of winning the award, trailing slightly behind Lane Johnson (45%) due to durability concerns but ahead of others like Sewell and Wirfs. The 2025 season will be pivotal for Williams to prove he remains the NFL’s premier “wrecking ball” on the offensive line.