Dianna Russini of ESPN reports that there is “no salvageable relationship” between the Redskins and LT Trent Williams at this point based on her conversations with multiple sources on both sides of the situation.
Russini adds that Williams met with new Redskins HC Ron Rivera a few weeks ago for around 10-15 minutes and after the meeting, there was a feeling that this simply wasn’t going to work.
Williams and his representatives took note of the fact that Washington met with free agents before meeting with him, which wasn’t a strong first impression from his viewpoint. However, sources have told Russini that there are still players now on the roster the new regime has yet to meet with and this wasn’t intentional.
Despite all that has transpired, Williams reportedly respects and likes owner Dan Synder, but he would like to be able to move on and possibly return at a later time be included in the team’s ring of honor.
Russini adds that the Redskins were shopping Williams leading up to the Combine and later granted his agent permission to seek a trade out of Washington. Williams’ reps reportedly found a team who are interested in trading for him and while the Redskins attempted to negotiate a deal, they maintain they can’t “give a player like Trent away for small value in return.”
Russini hears that Washington believes they’ve been flexible and this is ultimately on Williams’ agency. Conversely, Williams and his reps believe the team has been inconsistent in terms of their asking price for Williams.
On Tuesday, Williams issued a statement through his agent, in which he reiterated his desire to be traded or released by the team.
Washington has been asking for a second-round pick as a starting point in negotiations for Williams since giving his agent permission to seek a trade. However, the Redskins say a trade has been slowed by Williams’ desire for a new contract.
The veteran still has one year left on his deal with a $12.5 million base salary that is not guaranteed, but would like to be the highest-paid tackle in the NFL. That’s at least $18 million per year right now.
Williams’ agent, Vincent Taylor, has a different take, claiming the Redskins have not been negotiating in good faith and have been inconsistent in what they would like in return in a trade.
The Jets and Browns have been two teams tossed out as potential trade partners for Williams. However, both have addressed offensive tackle in free agency and presumably have the capital to do so in the draft as well.
Williams, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Redskins back in 2010. He currently in the final year of his five-year, $66 million contract that includes $43.25 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $12.5 million for the 2020 season.
According to OverTheCap.com, trading or releasing Williams will free up $12.5 million of available cap space while creating $2 million in dead money.
In 2018, Williams started 13 games for the Redskins. Pro Football Focus rated Williams as the No. 21 tackle out of 80 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding Williams as the news is available.
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