Twelve seasons. That’s how long Terron Armstead held it down in the trenches before calling it a career on Saturday, April 5. Drafted by the Saints back in 2013 and finishing up in a Dolphins jersey, the veteran OT decided 33 was the number he’d hang it all up at. Terron poured his heart out in a long, heartfelt note on Instagram, thanking the game that gave him everything. And while the football world paused to pay respect, the internet, as always, had other plans. 

On Sunday, NFL insider Ari Meirov posted the retirement news on X. But instead of just reflecting on Armstead’s career, the comments section turned into something else entirely. Some fans weren’t just saying goodbye to Armstead, they were nudging another veteran to join him. And the man in question here? 49ers OT Trent Williams. 

The 11-time Pro Bowler Trent has played 15 seasons in the NFL. Originally drafted by the Commanders, then known as the Redskins, Williams joined the Niners squad in 2020 and has been on the Niners’ O-line ever since. This off-season, San Francisco showed the door to multiple veterans, but luckily, Trent stayed on the roster. The 36-year-old signed a three-year deal worth $82.66 million last year. But in year one of that deal, Trent was sidelined after suffering an ankle injury following 10 games.

Now, what fans are saying, we’ll get to that in a bit. But before diving into the noise, here’s what HC Kyle Shanahan had to say about Niners adding Luke Farrell to the team’s offensive line. “We needed a number two blocking tight end. Losing Charlie we thought we hadn’t been able to replace him yet. Eric came in and did some good things for us last year, but for Luke to be available where we got him price-wise, I thought we got one of the better blockers in this league and someone who can also bring something in the pass game also,” Shanahan said at the NFL Annual Meetings.

On March 13, the Niners signed Jaguars TE Farrell to a three-year contract. The Niners didn’t have anyone who could take some pressure off George Kittle last season. So, bringing in Luke Farrell was all about filling that gap. The 27-year-old can be a solid support for Kittle.

Well, while Shanahan and the front office are busy patching up roster holes, some fans are out here trying to open up another one by calling for Trent Williams to retire.

Trent Williams is in the crosshairs after Armstead’s exit

It didn’t take long for netizens to drag Trent Williams into the conversation after Terron Armstead announced his retirement. One fan commented, “Considering the move for 49ers looking at LT draft, I expect a Trent announcement after the draft.” At the NFL Annual Meetings, GM John Lynch said, “We like our right tackle. We like our center. Left guard we have some candidates in-house right now. But will we look to add in the draft? Certainly,” adding more fuel to the fire.

Another user, clearly fed up with the injuries, chimed in, “Trent can retire, he’s cooked at this point, always injured…” Another user chimed in with similar sentiments, saying, “Trent could retire this offseason, but I think this is more about the future. McKivitz is probably gone after this year. So, maybe Trent will retire now or next year. They could let Banks start at guard or have him sit and learn behind Trent for a season. Either way, if both tackles are gone after this year, or if Trent retires now, they’re in a tough spot.” No doubts in that one.

However, at 36, people will come to you asking when you’ll hang up your cleats. And Williams will turn 37 this July. All said and done, there are voices out there calling for his retirement. But until the veteran OT makes that decision himself, it’s all just conversation.