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Five questions the Redskins must start to answer during training camp

By Nathan Britton

ASHBURN, VA - JULY 29: Washington Redskins players stretch during the first day of training camp at Redskins Park on July 29, 2011 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA - JULY 29: Washington Redskins players stretch during the first day of training camp at Redskins Park on July 29, 2011 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/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) /

What will happen with Trent Williams’ holdout?

Trent Williams has been one of the most important players for Washington this decade. Since the start of his career, Willams has been one of the best offensive linemen in the sport and has become an annual Pro-Bowl selection. Coming off his seventh consecutive Pro-Bowl, Williams will start his 10th NFL season with a little uncertainty.

Early indications of Willams OTA absence was his displeasure with his current contract. The former Oklahoma Sooner’s deal still has two years left paying Williams $14.7 million and $14.6 million respectively. However, in 2020 Washington could cut Williams for a tiny 1.5 million in dead money. And since his deal, many tackles have signed bigger contracts which leaves Williams seemingly underpaid as one of the top-three players at his position.

Williams has not played a full season since 2013 and seems to be playing through pain yearly. Another down year with games missed could give Washington cause to move on from the aging tackle.

It has also been suggested Williams displeasure began when the team took Geron Christian in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. While a player with Williams resume shouldn’t feel the pressure from Christian, it is easy to see where he may see the writing on the wall. There is also another wrinkle in the Williams saga that could boost his leverage in getting a new deal with Washington.

Williams, now 31, had a major health scare earlier this offseason when he had a growth removed from his head. Rumors have come out that Washington’s medical staff persisted the growth was nothing to be concerned about. With continued discomfort, Williams sought outside medical attention and was informed the tumor could be cancerous and needed it removed immediately.

Naturally, Willams is upset with Washington’s medical staff, and CBS’s Jason La Canfora has said Williams vowed to not play for Washington again.

However, Willams has been in contact with his Redskins teammates which leads many to believe that an extension for the franchise left tackle could smooth things over and get the teams most important piece back in uniform for the upcoming season.

Williams could continue to hold out into the regular season which could be detrimental to early success and long term development for Dwayne Haskins. But if I were to bet on it, I’d say we’ll see Williams suited up in Philly for Week 1. Deal or no deal.

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