Disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams wants a new contract with the Washington Redskins or a trade, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.
Entering his first year as the Redskins head coach, Ron Rivera has been working to reconnect with Trent Williams in hopes of him returning to the team.
Everything from the Redskins’ front office, training staff and coaching staff were reshaped this off-season. Included dismissals were longtime team president Bruce Allen and head trainer Larry Hess — two individuals whom had strained relationships with Williams.
Rivera revealed he had a face-to-face meeting with Williams. Team sources have felt optimistic about Williams’ returning after sitting out the entire 2019 season following his spat over mishandling of a cancerous growth on his scalp with management, specifically the medical staff and Allen.
Les Carpenter of The Washington Post previously reported the “financial issues” remain the lone roadblock in Williams’ return.
A new deal has been expected for Williams to return by much speculation. He is entering the final year of his five-year deal that will pay him $12.5 million in 2020. However, none of the money is guaranteed.
Wanting a trade isn’t new, however, it’s a ploy for leverage. Hard to imagine Williams coming back without a new deal, especially given his injury history, including the latest health scare he endured last spring with his scalp.
Getting rid of Allen and Hess were just the beginning of smoothing things over with Williams.
Williams appears to be Rivera’s top priority in his first off-season as the Redskins head coach. How matters play out between the two sides is anyone’s guess. But, it’s more than evident that Trent Williams won’t return to Washington without a new contract.
