The Trent Williams trade impact on Washington and 49ers remains a defining moment in the NFL five years after it occurred. Before the 2020 season, the Washington Commanders traded their star offensive tackle Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers, following a dispute over his health care and contract. This decision marked a turning point for both franchises, shaping their trajectories in very different ways.
Details of the 2020 Exchange Involving Trent Williams
In the trade executed prior to the 2020 season, Washington received two draft selections from San Francisco: a third-round pick in 2021 and a fifth-round pick in 2020. The 49ers acquired Trent Williams, one of the league’s premier offensive tackles, despite ongoing tensions between the player and Washington’s new leadership under coach Ron Rivera. Williams had missed the entire 2019 season due to being placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, a consequence of the unresolved dispute.
Washington’s Draft Picks Following the Trade
With the picks acquired from San Francisco, Washington selected cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in the 2021 third round and offensive lineman Keith Ismael in the 2020 fifth round. St-Juste appeared in 54 games over four seasons, starting 45 of them, accumulating 206 tackles, one interception, 34 passes defended, and three sacks. While he became a consistent part of the defense, he did not fully develop into a standout impact player.
Keith Ismael’s path was less prominent. In his rookie year, he played in eight games, mostly as a backup. The following season, he spent time on the practice squad before being promoted due to injuries, starting five games in total and appearing in ten. Ismael was released by Washington in September 2022, limiting his long-term contribution to the team.
Trent Williams’ Contributions to the 49ers
Williams thrived in San Francisco, revitalizing his career with consistent elite performance despite being in his mid-30s. From 2021 to 2023, he earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three straight All-Pro honors. His absence from the 2024 Pro Bowl marked the first time in over a decade he missed the accolade, largely due to missing seven games that season because of injuries.
Despite occasional injuries causing him to miss at least two games per season, Williams was instrumental in solidifying the 49ers’ offensive line. His presence provided San Francisco with arguably the best offensive tackle in the NFL for several seasons, contributing directly to the team’s offensive stability and success.
Evaluating the Outcome: Who Benefited Most?
The Williams trade was more than a typical player-for-picks deal, heavily influenced by off-field disputes that forced Washington’s hand. The Commanders’ management under Ron Rivera appears to have mishandled the situation, limiting the trade’s value and forcing Washington to accept a return that fell below market expectations.
While Benjamin St-Juste became a regular starter, his performance level remained moderate, and Keith Ismael’s tenure was short-lived, offering only depth rather than long-term impact. On the other side, the 49ers secured a top-tier offensive tackle at a bargain, yielding multiple years of elite play from Williams and elevating their offensive line significantly.
As a result, this trade clearly favored the 49ers, who capitalized on Washington’s missteps to gain one of the most valuable players in recent NFL history. The Commanders, meanwhile, suffered the consequences of strained relationships and missed opportunities.
Winner: San Francisco 49ers