The Washington Redskins’ off-season was thrown a curveball when cornerstone left tackle Trent Williams was not at mandatory mini-camp. Reports suggest Williams wants a new contract or to be traded. However, it may be more than a contract dispute that has Williams at odds with the Redskins.
Now comes a report (or rumor) from Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports that says Williams demanded a trade or release from the Redskins, not because of his current contract, but what he perceives mismanagement of his medical issue.
Two prominent writers in the Washington, DC market, Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington and Grant Paulsen of the Athletic/106.7 the Fan, have said they have heard similar grumblings.
Redskins teammate and college buddy, running back Adrian Peterson refuted La Canfora’s report.
“I don’t know where that came from,” Peterson said per Micheal Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “I talk to him all the time and I’ve never heard him say that.”
Williams underwent a procedure on his head, that reportedly was to remove “a growth or tumor” earlier this spring. Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has acknowledged the procedure earlier in the off-season and then again Tuesday when talking to the media about Williams’ absence from mini-camp.
Gruden went on to say that Williams’ situation was “personal” between the left tackle, his agent, and the Redskins’ front office.
Wednesday, Gruden told the media, per John Keim of ESPN, that he wasn’t aware of players having issues with the Redskins’ medical staff. However, he did add a tidbit about Williams’ issues may stem over the “timing of the diagnosis of the tumor.”
Certainly, if true, this would be a huge bombshell for a Redskins team that appeared to be moving forward after years of behind-the-scenes drama. Williams has consistently been one of Washington’s best players and a leader within the locker room.
The development of Williams’ situation certainly casts another dark cloud over the Redskins.
