Report: Redskins “giving Trent Williams an opportunity to seek a trade”
By Ian Cummings
There was bound to be change as the Redskins transitioned under Ron Rivera, and even in spots where bridges seemed to be mended, divorce may remain the destined outcome.
Shortly after Ron Rivera became the head coach of the Washington Redskins, there were reports that Rivera had opened up a positive dialogue with the camp of veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams. Williams held out for the entire 2019 regular season, and the ordeal left many convinced that Williams was due to leave eventually. But the reports at the start of the Rivera transition were more optimistic, and it was revealed that Rivera and coaches wanted Williams back.
Recently, however, a new wrinkle was added to the situation, as it was also revealed that Williams would not return unless he was given a new deal that aligns with the market. Such a deal would give Williams north of $15 million annually, and strapping that much money to a 32-year old tackle doesn’t seem like the safest idea, despite the position’s relatively strong shelf life.
Around a week ago, it was reported that if the Redskins couldn’t keep Williams, they’d prefer to get Day 2 picks as compensation for his ouster. And now, it appears as though the situation is trending back toward that outcome. Per ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Redskins are giving Williams an opportunity to seek a trade.
Russini’s report was also corroborated by ESPN’s John Keim, thus reinforcing the credibility of the update. While Williams and Rivera reportedly made progress in the absence of Bruce Allen, it appears as though the two sides were still too far apart to come to a solution which would bring Williams back. It’s an unfortunate development for a team that needs protection and weapons for first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins, but the situation bred no easy way out.
The Redskins should be able to get a second-round pick for Williams if they play their cards right; the seven-time Pro Bowler is coming off a year of rest and recuperation, and he’s still one of the best tackles in the league. Offensive tackles have a way of playing into the mid-thirties, and for a team in more of a win-now window than Washington, Williams could be the missing piece.
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For now, no deal has been reached with any potential suitor, but reports suggest that the Redskins are now open to entertaining offers for their star left tackle. If any further updates become available, we’ll let you know here at Riggo’s Rag.