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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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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 23: Wide receiver Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 23: Wide receiver Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Williams knows that he has leverage because the Redskins lack a proven replacement for him.

If the Redskins had a proven option at the tackle position that could fill in for Williams in a pinch, they would have the leverage. However, that is not the case.

Williams knows that if he doesn’t play, the Redskins don’t have a quality replacement for him. They have Morgan Moses at right tackle, but he will remain on that side of the ball. That means that Geron Christian would be the default replacement for Williams if he decides not to return

Christian struggled as a rookie in limited action before landing on injured reserve. The team seems content to use him as the top backup, in the wake of Ty Nsekhe‘s departure, but he will need to improve in leaps and bounds to be solid in that role.

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Speaking of Nsekhe’s, him leaving becomes a big point with Williams potentially out. Nsekhe was one of the top backup tackles in the NFL over the course of the past couple of seasons. He was a great insurance policy to have, so losing him this offseason was a bigger blow than some realized.

Of course, it should be noted that keeping Nsekhe — who signed a two-year deal worth $10 million with the Buffalo Bills — would likely cost more than simply giving Williams a minor raise. Nsekhe would provide extra depth, so it could be argued that might be worth it, but in reality, the team would have a tough time paying him that much while also paying nearly $21 million annually to Williams and Moses.

No matter what the case, Williams is arguably the most important player on the Washington offense. And with no true, proven replacement for him, that gives him a bit of leverage in negotiations. And the leverage only increases when you go further down the depth chart.

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