Redskins trade Trent Williams to San Francisco for multiple picks

After months of buildup, the Redskins have finally dealt seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams.

There was some measured hope that the relationship between the Washington Redskins new regime and Trent Williams could be restored at the start of the 2020 offseason, but as the weeks went on, it became clear that, even with a regime change, Williams and the Redskins were due for a separation.

The start of the 2020 NFL Draft complicated matters for the Redskins, as many potential suitors drafted offensive tackles to fill their needs, including the Minnesota Vikings, who selected Ezra Cleveland in Round 3 last night. Still, even with their options dwindling, there was talk that the 49ers might be interested in Williams, as Kyle Shanahan had pre-existing experience with Williams.

Now, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, a deal between the Redskins and 49ers for Trent Williams has officially been agreed upon. According to Rapoport, Washington has traded Williams to the 49ers for a fifth-round pick this year and a third-round pick in 2021. The deal gives Washington another selection to add depth in 2020, as well as a Day 2 pick next year.

It’s ultimately solid value for Williams, who was never going to come back anyway. Washington likely wanted to get a Day 2 selection in this draft, but time and value worked against them, as most teams favored younger, cheaper options on the line. San Francisco came in at the final hour and served as an unlikely match; the 49ers have two starting tackles, but Joe Staley is 35 years old, and likely to regress or even retire soon. And adding an athletic talent like Williams could allow the 49ers to be flexible as well, if Staley stays for another year.

Now, the Redskins and Trent Williams can both move on. Williams can get to work on a potential extension with San Francisco, and the Redskins can work on adding his potential replacement with the picks they have left.