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Redskins are in a tough spot with Trent Williams’ holdout

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins enters the field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins enters the field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 26: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field at the end of the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 26, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 26: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field at the end of the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 26, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Trent Williams is slightly underpaid considering the market value of tackles, but he also comes with health concerns.

When Williams agreed to a five-year extension with the ‘Skins back in August of 2015, it made him the highest-paid left tackle in the league. And the raise was well-earned. The perennial Pro Bowler had long been one of the league’s best blockers, and Washington couldn’t risk losing him.

However, since that time, the market for tackles has, unsurprisingly, risen. As of this writing, Williams was just the seventh-highest paid tackle in terms of average annual value, coming in at $13.2 million per year. The top earner at the position, Trent Brown, signed a deal worth $16.5 million annually this offseason.

While the $13.2 million price tag isn’t bad, it’s fair that Williams would want a raise after some of the tackle contracts that were signed this offseason. Brown’s deal re-set the market that Taylor Lewan ($16 million) had previously set, but the bigger signing was Donovan Smith. The Buccaneers tackle, who has struggled at times during his career, inked a deal that pays him $13.75 million, putting him ahead of Williams. So, that further inflated the market.

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Now, with Williams seeing middle-of-the-pack players, like Smith, and comparatively unproven tackles, like Brown who only played on the left side for the first time last year (albeit at an elite level), getting big deals, he wants a raise. When healthy, he is one of the best tackles in the league, and he has been a very important part of the Redskins offense during his career.

However, the “when healthy” part is the caveat. Williams has dealt with knee injuries and a four-game suspension over the past few seasons. And this offseason, he dealt with a health scare as well. Last season, Williams’ knee kept him on the injury report for most of the season and at this point in his career, it may be a constant issue.

If Williams’ knee still proves to be balky, it is fair to wonder just how much longer he’ll be able to play at a high level (though he was still one of the game’s best tackles last year despite the injury issues). That’s the major thing that would hold up negotiations on the Washington end. That and the fact that they’ve been pretty good to Williams over the course of his career.

The Redskins may not mind paying Williams $13.2 million for the next two years, and maybe they would even give him a little more money over the next two seasons. But, if they’re not convinced he will be healthy enough to start after the 2020 season — when his contract expires — they shouldn’t be willing to give him an extension.

That said, the Redskins may find themselves in a tough spot at tackle with Williams out, and that could have an influence on their decision making.

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