It sounds like the Trent Williams saga almost came to an end last night, but the offensive lineman ended up squashing the trade. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Redskins and Vikings were close to a deal, but Williams made it clear that he didn’t want to play for Minnesota.
“At some point over the course of today, Williams made it known he would rather not go to the Minnesota Vikings,” Rapoport said (via ProFootballTalk.com’s Charean Williams). “Essentially, that ended the trade right there.”
Any hope for reconciliation was quieted towards the end of the second round. The Vikings ended up satisfying their need for a lineman by taking Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland with the No. 58 pick.
Williams denied the rumors on Saturday:
“No, that’s not true,” Williams told ESPN’s John Keim and Courtney Cronin.
Just because the Washington/Minnesota trade didn’t happen, it doesn’t necessarily mean Williams won’t be dealt. Keim reports that several teams remain interested in the lineman, including the 49ers. However, San Francisco’s interest is tied to the status of Joe Staley, who’s flirting with retirement. Keim notes that the Rams could also be a team to watch, as head coach Sean McVay previously worked with Williams in Washington.
We’ve also heard this week that a number of teams haven’t pursued the offensive lineman, including the Eagles and Buccaneers.
Williams, 31, has one year and a $12.5MM base salary remaining on his current contract. While some reports have indicated he wants to become the NFL’s highest-paid tackle with a new deal that averages something near $20MM annually, Williams’ agent has denied those claims.
I’d imagine the rams are out after giving whitworth a new deal
Just trade for future picks
What type of future picks? I wouldn’t give anything better than a 4th. Tops. One year contract left at a relatively high number cap wise for this time of year. Many teams have spent there available money. He hasn’t played in a while either, so what type of player are you getting.
I, personally, would say no thanks. Selfish, devious, greedy individual. The whole” I can’t find a helmet that’s fits” crap rubs me the wrong way. The man simply didn’t want to suit up. He wanted the year off and to try to force a trade (and new contract) this off season with out running risk of injury.
No I in team boys.
He lost a lot of leverage now the draft has passed. Now most deals will be revolving around 2021 picks so they don’t have to drop the asking price since it won’t really help them this year.
The asking price is going to be non-existent. He’s going to get cut. The redskins have no leverage left since the draft has passed. I highly doubt a team is going to offer a 2021 first or second (this years asking price) for what will be, a 32 year old Trent Williams. He’s going to get cut & sign where he wants to play.
Won’t get cut.
He has to be able to play in 6 games to qualify for free agency if I’m not mistaken.
If the Redskins really wanted to mess with him theyd suspend him for conduct detrimental to the team when he comes back, much like Gordon was suspended by the browns, only giving him 5 games delaying his free agency.
Exactly. The skins have no reason to cut him. He plays, or gets to sit without pay and miss out on free agency.
If Williams was the best OT in the league as he claims to be, he would have jumped at a chance to join the Vikings and embarrass the Bears defense twice a year. Clearly he is a complete fraud and no intelligent GM is going to want this bum as part of their organization.
Damn ur an idiot
Yea sure pal Williams would not be embarrassing the Bears Defense and Mack at all. You are not too big in the brain department
Saved the Vikings, this clown would probably claim their helmet hurt and they’d be out whatever they traded for his rights.
I dont understand this. The dude is under contract. Do whatever you want with him. At this point, tell him to show or forget his check.
The Redskins botched things from the get go. Of course Daniel Snyder has an ego that makes him believe he can out fox any player or other GMs and come out smelling like a rose. He’ll come out of this situation looking like a fool however.
It’s not that simple, though.
The Skins need to find a destination he wants to go because his willingness (or lack of) to sign a new deal will impact the return.
The trade partner will want to extend him, if they’re to give up a meaningful asset.
Williams will want say over where he goes because if he signs an extension, it’s most likely where he finishes his career. The productive part of it, anyway.
There isn’t going to be any worthwhile return on Williams and if the Redskins force him to stay he will be an unproductive locker room cancer. A lose/lose for Washington anyway this ends.
One note here for everyone cracking on this guy about his helmet: this isn’t an AB situation, the guy had a growth removed from his head. The growth that Redskins team doctors glossed over in 2013, and every year since. Doctors are human too, and unfortunately mistakes do happen. It’s easy to understand the breakdown in trust, however; as well as Williams being particular now.
Sure, sure Williams’ stance is totally legitimate, but you don’t get it. Player standing up for himself = selfish clown. How dare they refuse to dance for us?
Sadly, it’s clear that’s how some fans feel. They forget these athletes are people, too. There’s more to life than sports for athletes also.
Vikings will win the NFC North this year, Trent would wanna join them.
Only hope now for Skins is a team only interested in renting him for a year at a reasonable draft pick cost.
Obviously it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see this guy has no fire left in him to play. Not many choices around the league, and if he misses this year, that’s 24 plus mill he has begged off on. Tick tick… your time is short. You had a hall of fame career going and have totally screwed it up!