Trent Williams has stolen the headlines of the NFL Draft, at least for the Washington Redskins. His saga with the Redskins and the details that led to a trade to the Minnesota Vikings falling through has quickly become the top story.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the trade between the Redskins and Vikings was so close, Williams and Minnesota entered contract talks before the trade ultimately was nixed.
“The Vikings and his agent had actually talked potential contracts — this is something that should have gotten done,” Rapoport said. “Then you get to yesterday and the Minnesota Vikings find out that Trent Williams, from what I understand, did not want to go to the Vikings, and preferred to play elsewhere. That message was communicated, and I’ve received confirmation from several sources, despite the fact that Trent Williams’ agent just released a statement calling it false reporting.”
Williams’ agent, Vincent Taylor, called the NFL Network’s initial report of Williams not wanting to play for the Vikings “false reporting.”
The Vikings had offered two Day 3 draft picks to the Redskins that would have closed the deal, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
Williams is set to enter the 2020 season on the final year of a five-year deal. He is set to be paid a non-guaranteed $12.5 million. He has sought a contract extension, asking for premium pay.
Last month, Rapoport reported Williams’ contract demands was a bigger issue to a trade than the Redskins’ demands for trade compensation.
Friday, left tackle Laremy Tunsil signed a three-year, $66 million extension with $50 million fully guaranteed with the Houston Texans. The extension effectively makes him the highest-paid tackle in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Vikings drafted Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland in the second round with the 58th overall pick, moving on from a trade for Williams.
