Recent reports have indicated that the Redskins and left tackle Trent Williams could smooth over their well-documented differences and continue their relationship into 2020, and perhaps beyond that. Several weeks ago, Williams and new Washington head coach Ron Rivera had a “positive conversation,” and Rivera commented on that discussion at the scouting combine.
“We’re working through the details,” Rivera told reporters, including John Keim of ESPN.com. “We’re in a good place, a good conversation and we’re going to go from there.”
However, Keim cautions that plenty of obstacles remain. For one, multiple sources say that Williams, who is due a non-guaranteed $12.5MM salary in 2020 — the final year of his current deal — wants to be the highest-paid tackle in the league. Currently, Eagles RT Lane Johnson tops the tackle market in terms of AAV ($18MM), while Titans LT Taylor Lewan is the pace-setter in terms of total value ($80MM) and total guarantees ($50MM). Though Williams has been terrific throughout his career, that’s a lot of coin for a player who will turn 32 before the 2020 season starts and who hasn’t played a full 16-game slate since 2013.
If Williams doesn’t get a new deal from the Redskins, he wants to be traded, as Mike Garafolo reports (via Twitter). That suggests that, despite his sit-down with Rivera, Williams is still not feeling all warm and fuzzy towards the team. However, ESPN’s Josina Anderson hears that Williams has not been given permission to seek a trade (Twitter link).
If the Redskins do trade Williams, they could theoretically trade down from their No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 draft and pick up a potential replacement. They would also clear $10.5MM of salary cap room, increasing their available space to over $70MM. But an elite left tackle is critical for any club, especially one with a young signal-caller like Dwayne Haskins, and if the Redskins can only net a second-round pick in a Williams trade — as many believe — then extending him may be the better option.
So do I
If this is the case, he should wait for Ronnie Stanley to sign his extension. It’s gonna be YUUUUGE
His age prevents this. 4 years ago, absolutely.
If that’s his demand, the Redskins should trade him.
I’m on board with a trade. They should be able to get at least a 2nd
If him quitting on the team didn’t kill his value I think this demand definitely has. Redskins should just get whatever they can for him.
Why, I wouldn’t give up no second or third. Unless a deal is in place. Dude is almost 32 and has not played a full season since 13. I’m ravens fan, ronnie gonna be the top dog out there. Yall can prolly fetch a 4th or 5th unless yall attached something. Teams would be dumb to give up a second round for somebody who sat out last year and hasn’t played a whole season in over 5 yrs.
Look at the numbers. He didn’t give up a single sack or pressure last year.
While fighting through a helmet/head issue!
What a BEAST!
Hahaha
Wow really? That’s pretty impressive. In other news I’m about to become the highest paid Lawn Technician on the planet and I didn’t even have to sit out an entire season.
Williams must either play out his contract or hang up his helmet. The Redskins should show no mercy on allowing career years to toll when Williams doesn’t play. It’s not like the Redskins are asking Williams to play for $5 million/year on a clearly out of date contract.
Even a second round draft pick isn’t worth the havoc Williams has wrought on the organisation. Of course, if someone is knocking with an early second round pick or a late second and a fifth, better to take it.
Whoever gets Williams at this point is buying into an expensive, often-injured headache.
Williams should go back to work and show the NFL he’s still got it and go into free agency next year.
They should have traded Williams before this past season and added even more draft capital for 2020. He really must have some head issues if he thinks a team dead last in time of possession will make him the leagues highest paid OL.
That’s crazy if a team pays even a 3rd for a 32 year old tackle with health problems. Slay, a top CB 3 years younger is having a hard time getting a 2nd round pick for the Lions.