Tom Brady can exact brutal revenge and give Fernando Mendoza boost with $220m star in contract rift

Trent Williams joining the free agent pool would trigger an immediate bidding war — and Tom Brady could be at the front of the line.

The San Francisco 49ers left tackle is in contract limbo due to a huge $39 million cap hit for 2026 as he enters the final year of his deal.

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That is the fourth-highest figure among non-quarterbacks and could see the future Hall of Famer hit free agency after making his 12th Pro Bowl last year.

Brady — a boyhood Niners fan — was snubbed twice by the franchise. Once in the NFL Draft and again when he left the New England Patriots.

On both occasions, he made them regret the decision by winning Super Bowls elsewhere and the GOAT could return to haunt the Niners again if they cannot get five-time All-ProWilliams to return.

“In recent weeks, I’ve met with both Trent and with his agent, Vincent Taylor, and had really good, productive and substantive meetings,” general manager John Lynch said. “Here’s what I know. Trent loves being a Niner. We love having Trent as a Niner. It’s up to us to figure that out and to thread that needle.

“There’s some unique circumstances in that we all know what Trent is as a player and how great of a player he’s been. He’s gonna be 38 years old, so there’s some things that go into that. But I think we’re all on the same page and feel very positively about where that’s going.”

A post-June release, which would save $15.5 million in cap space, remains a possibility as San Francisco tries to keep a contending roster on the field.

Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders would have no problems with taking the hit with an estimated $91.5 million in space on the books, per Over the Cap.

There are a number of holes to fill on the roster — especially if Maxx Crosby ends up traded — but offensive line is probably the biggest if the No. 1 pick is spent on Fernando Mendoza.

The Indiana quarterback’s NFL transition would be greatly helped by an improved unit.

Kolton Miller was performing well at left tackle before suffering a serious injury in Week 4, meaning that is arguably the only spot on the line that doesn’t need filling.

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But it is not often that a Canton-bound tackle becomes available and Williams, who has $220 million in career earnings, is likely a first-ballot inductee.

Miller could slide across to right tackle to accommodate the 37-year-old and at least ensure Mendoza’s flanks are protected.

Running back Ashton Jeanty would also be a huge beneficiary of Williams’ legendary downfield blocks.

The only thing missing from the dominant OT’s career is a ring, however, and he may want to join a contender if he leaves the Bay Area.

Here are five other potential destinations should Williams decide to get away from the Niners and their substation controversy.

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Green Bay Packers

With Rasheed Walker set to leave in free agency, Green Bay could swoop for an immediate upgrade.

With Jordan Love under center, and Micah Parsons set to return on a talented defense, the Packers have genuine Super Bowl aspirations.

Green Bay may struggle to offer the same package as some rivals with a tight cap situation, but Williams may decide to trade wealth for a shot at glory.

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Chicago Bears

Ben Johnson traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman ahead of his debut season as head coach.

Right tackle Darnell Wright is developing, meaning Chicago could assemble the ultimate unit to protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.

Braxton Jones was injured and benched last season, while Ozzy Trapilo ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoffs, making Williams an ideal fit.

Dallas Cowboys

With George Pickens set to play on a franchise tag and Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on massive deals, this would require some creative accounting.

But Lamb and Prescott are due for restructures and America’s Team is weak up front.

Williams is from Texas and could come home to finish his career.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Should Aaron Rodgers return, he is unlikely to want to spend the season running for his life as he approaches retirement.

His fellow veteran could help out and also bolster a screen game thanks to his ability to mow down would-be tacklers in the open field.

Incumbent left tackle Broderick Jones has suffered injury problems and struggled at times when healthy.

New England Patriots

Mike Vrabel was forced to jump to rookie Will Campbell’s defense after an awful Super Bowl.

Throughout the pre-draft process, questions were asked about whether the gifted lineman had true NFL size and a move inside to guard was mooted.

Vrabel has other positions to fill and ruled out moving Campbell, albeit before news of Williams’ potential availability broke.

Unlikely, but possible.

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