Enough good can’t be said about the warrior Trent Williams and what he means to the Redskins.
As a player, Trent Williams has been to seven straight Pro Bowls and is regularly regarded as one of the best left tackles in the game. As more and more new stories come out about the Trent Williams situation, it’s getting to the point where the team has to make a decision. Do you do everything possible to make things work with Williams to get him back on the field, or is the relationship torn so much it’s time to cut losses and move on? Well, I’d hope the Washington Redskins try to make it work out in every way possible, but we really don’t know what is going on behind the scenes, and anything is possible with Daniel Snyder and Bruce Allen running the show.
If the Redskins decide to trade Trent Williams, what is his trade value right now? Talent-wise Williams has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven straight years, he is arguably the best left tackle in the NFL, and plays a premium position that is just behind the quarterback in importance. Trent Williams is 31 years old and still has two years left on his contract; therefore, you have a Hall of Fame-caliber player still in his prime under contract for at least two more seasons.
Let’s take a look at the situation; it’s been known for months about Williams “unhappiness with the team” for whatever reason. When the team’s best player and the captain does not show up to any offseason practices with no official reason why (haven’t heard from Trent yet), it’s hard to imagine that it’s something good, which can only lower his trade value as this drags out.
For a franchise that always seems to have something dysfunctional going on and wants to be seen as a well-ran franchise, the last thing the Redskins want is their best player being a distraction and losing him for absolutely nothing. So, if the team really does feel like it’s best to move on and cut their losses, let’s take a look at the most likely trade scenarios if push comes to shove.
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick and Co. always seem to strike when you least expect it; going after a premier offensive tackle for a team that wants an upgrade at the position to keep Tom Brady around for a few more years, Williams would be a perfect fit. The price for Williams should start at a first-round pick, but we know that’s not normally how the Patriots operate, so if New England does swoop in the deal would probably include multiple draft picks and the rest of the NFL scratching their heads on how the Patriots keep doing this.
New England Receives: Trent Williams
Washington receives: 2020 2nd and 4th-round pick
Houston Texans
This one makes the most sense. One: Trent Williams is from Texas and trains in Houston during the offseason, so he is the hometown guy. Two: let’s face it; the Houston Texans need offensive line help bad to protect Deshaun Watson, and getting a Hall of Famer who is arguably the best left tackle in the NFL would fill a giant hole for them. So, what would it take to get Williams to be traded to the lone star state? The situation is sticky in H-Town, as the team doesn’t have an official “GM”, but if all decision makers can come to an agreement, then Houston can come away as Super Bowl contenders and the Redskins can get an extra first-round pick.
Houston Receives: Trent Williams
Washington Receives: 2020 1st-round Pick
New York Jets
Sam Darnold is the Jets future and protecting him should be at the top of the team’s to-do list. Investing in All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell during the offseason also shows the need for a strong offensive line. If the Jets want to make a splash to try and be a playoff contender, getting a stud left tackle will go a long way, not just now, but for the future. As for the Redskins, they could use a player that can help immediately at the inside linebacker position and also gain an extra draft asset along the way.
New York Receives: Trent Williams
Washington Receives: Avery Williamson (ILB) and 2020 3rd-round pick
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in the win-now mode, so why not go all-in and get a left tackle to solidify your offensive line and protect Baker Mayfield? John Dorsey has shown he will make a big move and with pressure to be contenders, it might just force Dorsey to think about making that move. After decades of losing and trying to find a quarterback, the Browns got their guy, and now they must protect him. For the Redskins, this would just be about getting draft capital from a team that is going all-in.
Cleveland Receives: Trent Williams
Washington Receives: 2020 2nd-round pick + 2021 2nd-round pick
Jacksonville Jaguars
One disgruntled superstar for another. I’m only doing this deal if a sign and trade for Jalen Ramsey is done prior. This would mightily improve the Redskins secondary, and the Jaguars get a guy to protect Nick Foles blind side for years to come. With Donald Penn at the left tackle position for the year, this buys the Redskins time to find their tackle of the future during next offseason.
Jacksonville Receives: Trent Williams
Washington Receives: Jalen Ramsey
Which trade possibility listed is your favorite? Are there any more the Redskins could consider? Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments section below, and stick with us here at Riggo’s Rag for the latest updates.