At the start of the 2015 season, 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams was voted by his teammates to be one of four defensive captains.
It was a bit of a surprise, considering the former Notre Dame standout, who signed with the 49ers in 2011 as an undrafted free agent, played just six games in his first three seasons and nine in 2014.
But the 6-foot-1, 305-pounder had earned a starting role in 2013, only to suffer a broken ankle, then came back in 2014 to play well. Obviously, his teammates viewed him as a hardworking example of toughness. Williams certainly was surprised by being named a captain.
“I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle when the news was announced.
Williams went on to start all 16 games for the 49ers in 2015. Though the Niners were disappointing, Williams wasn’t. He was strong in the middle of the line, taking part in 65 tackles, collecting a sack, forcing and recovering a fumble and knocking down a pass.
This week it was announced that Williams was selected for the team’s annual Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, given to the player who best promotes unity within the team and community.
“Knowing what your teammates think of you, not even telling you to your face, but just knowing what they think of you in their heads, how respected you are in the locker room, that means a lot to me,” Williams said in a news release about the award.
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Now the question is, will Williams be with the team in 2016?
He can be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and the 49ers have huge decisions to make, from who will be the head coach down through their list of free agents, including Williams. Williams counted $1.495 million vs. the salary cap in 2015 and $1.28 million in 2014, a good price for a starting nose tackle. But that price is likely to go up.
In several games this season, including against the Bengals and Lions, the analytics website Pro Football Focus gave strong grades to Williams for his work against the run. PFF noted at one point this season that Williams is “quickly becoming one of the best players nobody talks about.”
Williams said late in the season that he was trying not to think about free agency, but would like to stay where he is.
“I would love to,” he told a writer for the team’s website. “This is where I’ve been. This is where I know guys on the team. This is where I’m comfortable at. I would love to be back.”
Williams is one of several key 49ers entering free agency, including receiver Anquan Boldin, kicker Phil Dawson and guard Alex Boone.
