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Why Redskins should/shouldn’t part with Trent Williams

By Charles Garner

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins blocks against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins blocks against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Tackle Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins signals to the crowd in the fourth quarter during a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Tackle Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins signals to the crowd in the fourth quarter during a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /

Reasons to keep Trent Williams

Production on the Field

Williams was drafted 10th overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2010 NFL Draft. In his nine seasons to date, Williams has made seven Pro Bowl appearances and also claimed second-team AP All-Pro honors in 2015. Williams is also well-respected by his peers and appeared on NFL’s Top 100 players list for six consecutive years from 2013 to 2019.

If accolades are not enough, Williams also has the stats to show his domination on the field. Williams has posted a PFF overall grade of 79 or better in all but two of his NFL seasons that were graded. Williams also has not allowed more than four sacks in seven of the nine seasons that he has played. Players around the league know how special a player Williams is, and he has shown he can be a game-changing tackle when on the field.

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Veteran leadership

Fans should also consider the leadership ability that Williams brings to the table. Williams is a player who has been the cornerstone left tackle in Washington and has been the face of the franchise at times. Williams was the team captain from the 2011 season through the 2016 season, which makes it clear that players on the Redskins roster respect Williams.

Williams is one player who speaks up during practices about players not giving it there all. He is also a motivator on the team after devastating losses. With young offensive lineman like Wes Martin and Ross Pierschbacher already on the team and more likely to come via the draft this offseason, Williams would be a valuable mentor in the locker room.

Unreliable options behind him

If not Williams, then who would the Redskins march out at left tackle for their season opener come August? With last year’s starter, Donald Penn, set to be a free agent, the only remaining option on the roster is Geron Christian.

Christian was a third-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2018 but has not shown enough to become a starter on this team. According to Matthew Paras, when Bill Callahan was asked about Geron Christian being in the plan moving forward, his answer was “basically no.”

While Callahan may no longer be the head coach of the Redskins, he is considered to be one of the best offensive line coaches in the game. If Callahan does not see Christian as a starting level tackle, then many coaches will probably see the same thing

The Redskins may decide to use free agency to find a new left tackle and could target players like Jason Peters or Andrew Whitworth to replace Williams. While this may seem like a good idea, these players will be commanding virtually the same salary that Williams does in free agency. Williams is considered a top tier left tackle and if you are willing to pay top money, he should be your first choice over free agency targets.

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