Redskins: Even with agreement, Trent Williams wouldn’t be game-ready

The Redskins situation with Trent Williams is one with many layers, and recently, another layer was added to the puzzle.

In recent days, the Washington Redskins struggle with long-time starter Trent Williams has evolved, from a mere contractual dispute, to a clash of cultures and irreconcilable grudges.

Once, it was assumed that Williams would eventually, somehow, be back, and everything would be back to normal. But as the situation strays from the path of normalcy, a normal ending grows less and less likely. And less and less expected.

Now, there are growing whispers that Williams does indeed have a grudge against the team’s medical staff, and that a trade could be brewing. And while the Redskins could potentially bring him back for the right amount of money, with a little apologetic respect dished on the side, it might not even be simple then. Per D.C. Sports reporter Craig Hoffman, Williams wouldn’t even be ready to start the season if he did come back.

In the article linked in Hoffman’s tweet, Hoffman writes that Williams’ procedures to remove a growth on his head over this past offseason limited his ability to get back into football shape after ending the 2018 season worn down with lingering injuries, and that he could start on the PUP list, even if he does come back. The lack of immediate utility could stall negotiations further; the Redskins don’t know what Williams specifically wants, and his camp has been relatively silent. Since Williams isn’t even in football shape yet, however, they can wait. They have no choice, either way.

Of course, waiting won’t be easy, even if it’s a one-way trip. Williams has been a facet on the offensive side of the ball since his selection in the first round of the NFL Draft almost a decade ago. A transcendent athlete at his position, Williams is, even today, one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, and with a rookie quarterback like Dwayne Haskins in tow, the importance of a reliable blindside blocker can’t be understated.

For now, however, the Redskins have Donald Penn to hold Williams’ spot for him, and they have the phone lines to sit by idly, while they continue with sporadic negotiations.