NFL Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Releasing Ian Williams


Regardless of how much potential one shows, NFL teams will eventually need you to be on the field. Ian Williams showed potential and was penciled in as a key member of the San Francisco 49ers defensive line. Unfortunately, though, things have changed, as Williams has now been released, as reported by Niners Nation.

Ian Williams was not given a simple release. It was a release with an injury settlement. That means that the San Francisco 49ers are paying Williams for the amount of time that it would take for him to be healthy enough to play football again. If he clears waivers, he becomes a free agent.

While the San Francisco 49ers can technically bring back Ian Williams at a later time, the belief is that the organization is moving on. The front office will try to find a long term replacement, preferably one that can stay healthy enough to stay on the field.

The San Francisco 49ers once thought highly enough of Ian Williams that they signed him to a five-year contract worth approximately $27.5 million. When he injured his ankle again, management and Williams decided to change the deal to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.

Since the San Francisco 49ers are sitting on a 1-6 record, with five consecutive losses, management has started toying with the idea of starting their rebuilding period over. Ian Williams might not be the last member of the roster to be removed within the next few weeks. Players are going to be evaluated to see if they are part of the long-term plans.

Two players that appear set with the San Francisco 49ers are Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, both of whom played for the Oregon Ducks. Both players were also taken in the first round, with Armstead being selected in 2015 and Buckner in 2016.

Arik Armstead [Image by Thearon W Henderson/Getty Images]

Had Ian Williams been able to stay healthy, he would have been sandwiched right in between Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, two of the biggest defensive ends in the NFL. The trio could have grown to become one of the more dominant 3-4 defensive lines, making life easier for the linebackers.

Starting in place of Ian Williams has been Quinton Dial, a former fifth round draft pick. Dial has been solid, but do not be surprised if the San Francisco 49ers spend another high selection in the next NFL Draft on another defensive lineman in hopes of upgrading the entire defense.

There is an air of mystery surrounding the departure of Ian Williams. The San Francisco 49ers have not released some key details. When the ankle injury took place, it was called a non-football injury, which meant that it happened away from the field. The Niners never revealed details.

DeForest Buckner [Image by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]

The timing of the release is also surely going to add to the speculations. The move is taking place in the middle of what is already being considered by many a lost season. Considering how poorly the team has fared, keeping around talented players would be the wise thing to do.

It is also hard to imagine that general manager Trent Baalke would give up so easily on Ian Williams. Baalke has been credited with finding a gem in Williams, who was not chosen in the NFL Draft. The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star seemingly came out of nowhere to become a good starter on the professional level.

A lot of eyes will now be on Ian Williams to see if he can continue his career in the NFL. If he does, then he will need to convince general managers and head coaches that the situation with the San Francisco 49ers was solely a football decision.

[Featured Image by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images]

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