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Why the Redskins shouldn’t be so quick to run Trent Williams out of town

By Marc Lande

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 04: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after beating the Philadelphia Eagles 23-20 at FedExField on October 4, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Evan Habeeb/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 04: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after beating the Philadelphia Eagles 23-20 at FedExField on October 4, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Evan Habeeb/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Defensive back Tanard Jackson #36 of the Washington Redskins, nose tackle Chris Baker #92 of the Washington Redskins, inside linebacker Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins, and tackle Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins prepare to run onto the field prior to the start of 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: Defensive back Tanard Jackson #36 of the Washington Redskins, nose tackle Chris Baker #92 of the Washington Redskins, inside linebacker Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins, and tackle Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins prepare to run onto the field prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /

Why Williams wants and deserves more money

I will argue the best draft pick this past decade by the ‘Skins was Trent Williams.

The pick was made during the beginning of the Mike Shanahan rebuild. So, now, do you pay your best player? The Redskins brass argues they already have rewarded him with his current contract.

Last offseason, Williams had a life-threatening surgery. Or, at least, a major scare. Williams has millions of dollars in the bank (hopefully) and a young family to worry about (probably). Under such circumstances, I do not know if Williams has quite the same desire as the pre-surgery player. Is the fire out? Did he lose his eye of the tiger? I feel this is fine. I would not be worried about All-Pro production.

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When confronted with a major crisis, I think people reevaluate. And, well, Williams obviously reevaluated what would keep him on the field (any NFL field at that) and to continue to play at a near All-Pro level.

Williams realized he needed to be paid at some of the highest levels for his position.

If the Redskins pay Williams, he will be in Burgundy and Gold. Or, at least, this was seemingly the case before this offseason began. The latest agent statement to trade me, cut me or we go to trial seems to be an indication that Williams is a player about to be jettisoned out of D.C.

The current trend with the Washington media and fans is the love for the blue-collar player. Washington fans have a love affair with the player who takes the pay cut to help the team win. And they seem to despise when players appear greedy.

I wonder, first off, where is this money going otherwise? If not paying players, then the owners, correct? Now I feel that owners should be staying afloat and making a little profit. Being part of the NFL owners club is as close to a “free lunch” as anywhere in America.

I want players to get rich because they are the ones playing the sport. The players are the ones in the trenches. The elite players should see paydays. I want coaches to get rich for being in the trenches to or at least nearby.

But I do not really care for owners getting rich—just profiting.

At the end of the day, I want the profit money going to the players and coaches, period (and the employees!). So, Williams seeing the dough is fine with me.

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