Redskins OT Trent Williams ends holdout, reports to Washington’s facilities

There were no notable trades that occurred ahead of the trade deadline. But a major development still came to pass in Redskins Park.

In the days leading up to the NFL’s trade deadline, it was revealed that the Washington Redskins, after weeks of not even fielding offers for Trent Williams, were at least listening to what other teams proposed. But despite this buildup, the deadline passed with no satisfying conclusion.

Reports spoke of discussions, particularly between the Browns and the Redskins, but the two sides were too far apart on the value to be had. The Browns allegedly wanted Williams for a package of mid-round picks, while Washington’s threshold was at least a first-round pick.

Thus, in the end, nothing truly changed. Bruce Allen dug his feet in and refused to take a worthwhile deal for Williams, and now Williams continues to stay away from the field, offering the Redskins no return for his contract.

Or does he?

With the trade deadline now in the rear view mirror, it appears as though Trent Williams himself has passed a major precipice. Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, Williams has reported to the Washington Redskins facilities, and he has ended his holdout.

Williams’ holdout began in training camp, and now, it ends at the start of Week 9, in which the Redskins will face the 5-2 Buffalo Bills. Williams’ return marks the end of a long, confusing saga with personal roots on both sides. But it doesn’t necessarily mean Williams will stay. Or talk.

Williams needed to return to the Redskins facilities before Week 10, in order to accrue a full season and thus keep his contract guarantees for the 2019 season. With two weeks to prepare for the final stretch of the 2019 season, Williams has set himself up to be on the roster for at least six games.

That said, it’s unlikely that Williams has lightened in his stance on the Redskins franchise. He didn’t want to come back during the early portion of the regular season, and the team’s 1-7 start likely hasn’t provided him any encouragement. There’s a realistic scenario where Williams sits for the rest of the year, now that he’s reported, continues his holdout in the offseason, and is traded for minimal compensation when Bruce Allen is backed into a corner.

Whatever the case, Williams’ return is a small win for Williams, and another indictment on the ineffectiveness with which Bruce Allen runs the Redskins football operations.