After a standoff that lasted nearly a year, the Washington Redskins are allowing disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams to seek a trade, according to ESPN’s Dianna Marie Russini
The Redskins had hoped to convince Williams to return to the team after sitting out the entire 2019 season. Newly-hired head coach Ron Rivera met with Williams face-to-face. However, Williams wanted a new long-term deal comparable the top market rate for left tackles with one year remaining on his current deal.
The Redskins were unwilling to do so, leaving no other suitable resolution. Something previous team president Bruce Allen failed to allow happened last year.
It will be interesting what the trade market will be for Williams. He will be 32 years old at the start of the season. He hasn’t played a down of football since December 2018. He is also coming off multiple surgeries pertaining to a cancerous growth on his scalp that had to be removed. Additionally he has battled through numerous injuries and is seeking a long-term deal at top rate.
For Washington, the pending loss of Williams puts them back to where they were last season — in need of a starting left tackle.
Last season, they turned to aging veteran Donald Penn to mix return. Presumably they’ll look in another direction, but without a second-round pick in this year’s draft, free agency or trade may be best option.
