John Lynch: Trent Williams Trade Perfect “Cherry On Top”

Did the San Francisco 49ers have a great 2020 NFL Draft? I would tend not to think so. However, the trade for Trent Williams is something I’m not sure anybody saw coming. The retirement of Joe Staley was something that could have drastically changed the fortunes of the 49ers season. Lynch’s ability to pull off the Williams trade was a big time save.

Lynch called trading for Trent Williams the perfect “cherry on top”:

“We got a surprise a little bit before the draft — not a surprise, because he kept us in touch,” Lynch explained. “Joe Staley, we knew there was an opportunity or a chance that he wasn’t going to be with us and that was going to be tough, but we were able to pull something off for Trent Williams, which I think was the cherry on top of this draft. I believe we have a chance to be a better football team this year, and that’s very exciting for all of us.”

“The reality on that deal, we didn’t really have the conversation with Joe until the week of the draft,” Lynch said. “Because I think Joe was trying to give himself and his body time. Joe wanted to keep playing, his body simply didn’t allow for it. We felt like the quarantine, everything going on was his best friend and our best friend. Just give him time as he gets away from the season, maybe his body comes around.

“Finally, draft week, Joe picked up the phone and said ‘guys, I can’t do this, I’ve got to make a decision for my family.’ So that gave us, it was very opportune that Trent Williams was sitting out there. We quickly interjected ourself in that conversation. I worked hard with Ron Rivera to try to get it done and we did as an organization, and fortunately we were able to do it.

“We’ll miss Joe. Joe’s been a huge part of this franchise. But to come up with a guy like Trent Williams at that late date was a godsend for us.”

2020 NFL Draft Grades: NFC West

Lynch is right about one thing. The Trent Williams trade is a huge deal. Joe Staley was a godsend at left tackle for many years. How many great left tackles are out there capable of replacing him? Trent Williams is about as good as it gets and it only cost them a third and 5th round pick. This trade should be the story line of the 49ers draft. Without it, they may have been in trouble.