Trent Williams Reiterates Request To Be Traded Or Released

Washington Redskins LT Trent Williams, in a statement through his agent, has reiterated his desire to be traded or released by the team. 

“The relationship between the Redskins and Trent Williams has reached a point where it’s in the best interest that the Redskins trade or release him,” the statement reads.

“Despite its knowledge of the irreconcilable differences, Washington was unable (or unwilling) to negotiate a trade of Williams. The team then gave Williams and his representatives the right to seek trading partners. Williams’ representatives provided the team with trading options, but the Redskins have shown no interest in negotiating in good faith, and, in fact, have given inconsistent demands on what it wants in return for a trade.”

“Throughout the process, Williams has maintained his silence and not spoken negatively about the team nor has he pursued potential legal actions. This seems to not be a successful strategy. Players who are outwardly critical of the team do get traded.

“Although Trent Williams will always love and respect Dan Snyder, his teammates and the Washington Redskins’ fans, he wants to be traded or released. It’s time for the organization to act in a manner that is in both Williams’ and the team’s best interest.”

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. 

Taylor hinted that while Williams has been silent about the team publicly, that might change after the Redskins traded CB Quinton Dunbar yesterday who was more publicly outspoken about his issues with the team. 

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.