Redskins were one of two teams to put in a claim for Desmond Harrison

The Redskins tackle situation has deteriorated rather quickly, and attempts to stymy the backwards momentum have failed.

For the past few weeks, the Washington Redskins have been sifting through reserve offensive tackles, trying to find someone to fill their desired mold on the edge. At first, it was thought that this was only due to the lack of depth, and the loss of swing tackle Ty Nsekhe.

However, Trent Williams‘ recent holdout sheds light on what may have been another reason for the Redskins’ desperate search for an offensive tackle. Williams is rumored to want a new contract, and other reports have suggested that he is upset with Washington’s training staff.

Whatever the case, it’s now clear that the Redskins might have a need beyond depth at offensive tackle. They might need some semblance of starting talent, and at this point in the offseason, that’s a hard thing to get.

When the Browns recently released second-year offensive tackle Desmond Harrison, there was talk that the Redskins could show interest in the former undrafted free agent. Harrison started eight games at left tackle for the Browns in 2018, and for an undrafted rookie, he showed promise. His athletic potential was obvious, but inconsistency marred his first campaign, and he was eventually benched for Greg Robinson.

The Browns let go of Harrison presumably because he was not maintaining the desired commitment in offseason workouts, and he was put on waivers as a result. Not long after, it was revealed that the Arizona Cardinals, the first team in the waiver order, had put in a waiver claim for Harrison, and thus, they were awarded his rights.

For the Redskins, it’s another opportunity passing by. But per ESPN’s Field Yates, the Redskins did at least try to get Harrison; according to Yates, Washington was the only other NFL team to put in a waiver claim. Had the Cardinals not done so, Washington would have acquired a young tackle with upside in Harrison.

Instead, however, the Redskins are left with nothing, and they’ll continue to search, either for a diamond in the rough at tackle, or a quick solution to the Trent Williams situation. Neither one is guaranteed to be found at all.