Redskins have reportedly talked to multiple teams about Trent Williams
In the lead-up to the 2020 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins have reportedly talked to several teams about trading Trent Williams.
The 2020 NFL Draft is tomorrow and the league’s hot stove is starting to heat up. After Rob Gronkowski came out of retirement and was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, the latest rumors suggest that Trent Williams is likely to move.
On Monday, NBC Sports’ Peter King wrote that Williams was the player that was most likely to be moved during the draft. The following day, it was reported that the Cleveland Browns were still interested in trading for Williams, depending on the price.
And now, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Redskins have talked to “multiple teams” about Williams in advance of the 2020 NFL Draft.
With one big trade done and final, could another one be on the way? The #Redskins have talked to multiple teams about a potential trade of LT Trent Williams, sources say. With the NFL Draft a day away, and a physical necessary, the clock is ticking ⏳
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2020
And ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that there have been “some really good constructive conversations” about a potential Williams deal.
Source: Regarding LT Trent Williams: There's "an opportunity to have something done shortly." I'm told there's been "some really good constructive conversations" and there is "hope to get it done soon." My understanding is, it's a positive situation & the process is ongoing.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 22, 2020
Presumably, the Browns would be among the teams the ‘Skins have talked to. As for other potential suitors, the Vikings could be interested in Williams despite being cap-strapped and teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks could also make sense.
But no matter which teams are interested, it’s good that the Redskins are showing some urgency as they try to move on from Williams.
Simply put, the ‘Skins don’t gain much by keeping Williams around amid his holdout and statement that he won’t ever play for the team. They should’ve traded him before the trade deadline, but Bruce Allen was too stubborn to deal the veteran for what would’ve been a higher price than the team is set to get now. At this point, the Redskins have options with Williams, but the only way that his trade value will increase if they keep him after the draft is if a win-now team suffers a big injury at the tackle position. And that’s not something the team should bet on happening.
In an ideal scenario, a run on first-round tackles could prompt a tackle-needy team to deal a second-round pick for Williams. That would replenish an asset that they lost in the Montez Sweat trade from last season and give them a shot to add a solid offensive lineman or receiver in what’s expected to be a pretty deep second round.
If the Browns are able to land a blue-chip defender with the 10th pick — Isaiah Simmons, perhaps — they’d probably be the most likely suitor for Williams, as he’d be a massive upgrade for them at the left tackle spot. That position has been an issue for the team since Joe Thomas‘ retirement, and Williams would give them another perennial Pro Bowler to start on the line.
Next. Factors influencing a Browns trade for Williams. dark
We’ll see what ultimately happens with Williams. But the fact that the trade winds are blowing and picking up is a good sign for the team. It’s simply time for a change of scenery, and a deal before Day 2 of the draft could benefit all parties involved in a Trent Williams trade.