49ers will re-sign stars Sherman and Williams, PFF predicts originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The 49ers will have a lot of decisions to make this upcoming offseason.
While the future of Jimmy Garoppolo and the QB position is at the front of everyone's minds right now, Garoppolo technically is signed through the 2022 season. Quarterback of course if the most important position on the field, but the 49ers do have a long list of players set to hit free agency. Among that group is both Richard Sherman and Trent Williams.
Here's some good for 49ers fans in what has been a frustrating season: Pro Football Focus predicts the 49ers re-sign both of the star players.
Williams is rated as PFF's fifth-best prospect for the 2021 offseason. After a year away from the field, he is back to his dominant self in his first season with the 49ers. He has a 90.0 overall PFF grade, which is less than a point behind the No. 1 offensive tackle, David Bakhtiari.
The 49ers traded a fifth and third-round draft pick for Williams. That will prove to be a steal if they can lock him up past this season. PFF predicts Williams signs a four-year, $80 million contract.
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Sherman, who will be 33 years next March and has been held to just two games this season, is ranked as PFF's No. 21 overall free agent for next year. The star cornerback returned to his All-Pro form last season, and showed he still is capable of being that type of player last Sunday in the 49ers' 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Sherman had six tackles and one interception after missing the previous 11 weeks.
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There's no doubt he isn't the athlete he once was, but Sherman is one of the smartest players in the NFL and perfectly fits the 49ers' scheme. At the right price, San Francisco has to bring him back. PFF predicts Sherman will sign a two-year, $28 million contract.
Once healthy, the 49ers will have Super Bowl aspirations next season. Bringing back Williams and Sherman would be a big step in the right direction to make their hopes a reality.
