Trent Williams and the Washington Redskins’ standoff has lingered into its second off-season. Now, his agent, Vincent Taylor, has sounded off in a statement to ESPN demanding his client’s trade or release.
Taylor accuses the Redskins of not acting in faith as Williams has provided the team with trading options. He also said, the team has been inconsistent with it’s requests for return in a trade for Williams.
Taylor continued that Williams has maintained his silence and not spoken negatively about the Redskins. However, “players who are outwardly critical of the team do get traded.”
One can assume Taylor was referencing cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who had been publicly vocal about his displeasure with the Redskins. Monday, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a fifth-round pick, arguably below his value.
Williams has wanted out ever since a dispute with the Redskins’ training staff over a misdiagnosis of a tumor on his scalp last year. That tumor was surgically removed, requiring additional procedures.
At the time, Williams demanded a trade or release, when he was not granted that by then team president Bruce Allen, he sought a new deal despite two years remaining on his current contract.
Williams held out of last season’s OTAs, training camp and the first nine weeks of the season. He reported to the team, however, failed his physical as his experienced discomfort trying on his helmet. He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list ending his season.
Following the firing of Allen and head trainer Larry Hess, new head coach Ron Rivera reached out to resolve the tension with Williams. However, Williams has maintained he wants a trade and new contract extension.
The Redskins granted Williams permission to seek a trade. The left tackle then expressed his happiness for seeing an end to the matter.
Washington has reportedly sought as high as a second-round pick in trade talks. With Dunbar being moved for a fifth-rounder, it appears Williams and his agent are growing more frustrated with the ongoing situation.
