49ers: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

3. Trent Williams, OT

The biggest free-agent domino that could alter the Niners’ draft plans is in-house. Re-signing left tackle Trent Williams is the priority for the 49ers in free agency but the now eight-time Pro Bowler will not come at all cheap.

Williams’ stellar play in his first season with the 49ers following a draft-day trade from the Washington Football Team merits the $20 million a year contract he will command.

San Francisco has the cap space to get such a deal done and, as it has in the past, could backload Williams’ contract so that the bigger cap hits come in future years where new television deals will give them much more space with which to work.

Yet if they cannot come to an arrangement with Williams, then left tackle will be the number one need in the draft.

An extremely deep tackle class may make the Niners less willing to pay anything they deem to be over the odds for Williams, with the likes of Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw potentially set to be in the mix for them at No. 12.

The 49ers would prefer the experienced sure thing protecting the blindside even at the high price they will have to pay. Should that not prove possible, they can at least take solace in having some hugely talented fall-back options in the draft.