Trent Williams was absent from the start of the Washington Redskins’ minicamp Tuesday. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the left tackle is seeking a new deal.
He has two years and $23.5 million remaining on his current deal that he signed in 2015, according to Spotrac.com. At the time, the contract made him the highest-paid offensive tackle in NFL history at $68 million with $41.25 million guaranteed.
According to Erin Hawksworth of 106.7 the Fan, Williams asked for a trade if a new deal cannot be reached.
Williams is viewed as one of the best left tackles in the NFL. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler. However, he has struggled with health since signing what was a mega-deal in 2015.
Williams missed six games in 2017 with a knee injury that lingered and ultimately landed him in injured reserve. In 2018, he missed three games after having thumb surgery.
Williams reportedly had a “growth or tumor” removed from his head this off-season that left teammates under the impression he could miss the upcoming season. However, he is expected to be fine.
With a healthy Williams anchoring the left side, the Redskins have one of the best offensive lines in the league.
As the Redskins are set for a retool that includes the quarterback of the future, first-round pick Dwayne Haskins, Williams’ reported recent request certainly throws a curveball into the team’s plans.
