Ron Rivera admitted the Washington Redskins had a first-round offer for Trent Williams ahead of last season’s NFL trade deadline while appearing on Team 980 Radio Wednesday.
“There was an opportunity, from what I was told, that last year just before the trade deadline—he was worth a first-round pick. But for whatever reason, the deal was never done. And because he didn’t play for the year somehow that number changed.”
Ron Rivera appearing on Team 980 Radio
Rivera was hired in January as the Redskins head coach. Yet, Rivera and the Redskins paid a heavy price from the negligence of the team’s previous regime led by former longtime president Bruce Allen.
It’s been largely reported Washington refused to trade Williams despite getting favorable offers. Rivera’s admission Wednesday acknowledges those reports were indeed factual.
Rivera tried to salvage the torn relationship between Williams and the Redskins but to no avail. Ultimately, the team’s hand was forced and the Redskins traded the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2020 fifth-round pick and 2021 third-round pick.
Had Washington acted earlier and moved Williams for the stated first-round pick, the Redskins could have been in prime position to draft an heir apparent to Williams to go along with second overall pick, defensive end Chase Young. Instead, they’ll hang their hats on primary backup Corey Lucas, struggling project Geron Christian and fourth-round pick Saahdiq Charles in hopes one will emerge as Williams’ eventual replacement.
