Trent Williams Has Told Redskins He Wants New Deal Or To Be Traded

Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media are reporting that LT Trent Williams has told the Redskins that unless they’re willing to sign him to a new contract, then they should trade him.

According to Garafolo, the Redskins told Williams that they currently have a lot going on with a new regime in place and a deal has been “pushed to the back burner.”

Both Garafolo and Rapoport believe it’s still a possibility that Williams could be traded this offseason, particularly if a team steps up with a solid offer of draft picks to acquire him.

Redskins HC Ron Rivera told reporters at the Combine this week that they’re still working through the situation with Williams. 

“We’re working through the details,” Rivera said. “We’re in a good place, a good conversation and we’re going to go from there.”

John Keim of ESPN reported earlier in the day that while the Redskins and Williams have thawed their relationship somewhat, Williams’ contract is still an issue. 

The veteran still has one year left on his deal with a $12.5 million base salary that not guaranteed, but would like to be the highest-paid tackle in the NFL. That’s at least $18 million per year right now, with the potential for more.

If Washington doesn’t want to commit that much to Williams, a trade might still be on the table. Keim says the team is hopeful it could still get a first-round pick in exchange for Williams. However, a second-round pick might be more likely given his age, injury history and contract status. 

The Redskins have made significant changes including moving on from president Bruce Allen this offseason, so there’s at least a chance that bridges could be mended with Williams. 

Williams spoke with reporters shortly after the trade deadline and explained all that had transpired the past few years and ultimately led to a cancer diagnosis. The Redskins later placed Williams on the reserve/non-football injury list, ending his 2019 season.

Adam Schefter and Field Yates reported last year that the Redskins elected to not pay Williams the remaining balance of his remaining $5.1 million base salary for the 2019 season.

Williams reported to the team but failed a physical due to discomfort from wearing his helmet. 

Williams, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Redskins back in 2010. He currently in the fifth 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. 

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 and the Redskins as the news is available.