Niners nab Williams as Staley hangs up helmet

The San Francisco 49ers acquired one Pro Bowl left tackle and said goodbye to another.

The defending NFC champion 49ers signed seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams from the Washington Redskins on Saturday for a pair of draft picks and later announced that six-time Pro Bowler Joe Staley is retiring.

"He's as good a player and warrior and person as any player I've ever been around," coach Kyle Shanahan said. "I love the guy. It was really hard on us when we realized he wasn't going to play this year."

But it made it easier that the Niners were able to find a replacement. They sent a fifth-round pick in this year's draft and a 2021 third-rounder to acquire Williams, who still must pass a physical for the trade to be finalized. The 49ers had a big need at left tackle because Staley informed them he planned to retire.

Xinhua - Agencies