Washington Redskins and Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams are going their separate ways after all. According to Williams’ agent Vincent Taylor, Redskins gave his client permission to actively seek a trade.
There were some indications that Williams, who first asked for a trade back in April, might remain in Washington following the arrival of a new head coach Ron Rivera. But despite the reports that Rivera and the 32-year-old a “good talks,” the player didn’t want to change his mind.
“Trent is excited to resume his Pro Bowl career with a team interested in a player of his stature,” Taylor told The Athletic. “We really appreciate and respect [owner] Dan Snyder for the chance to seek another opportunity. This isn’t about a contract, but time for a change of scenery.”
Trent Williams’ trade request came after Redskins’ medical staff misdiagnosed a dangerous growth on his head. Williams opted to remain away from the team, but Redskins mostly refused to take calls from other NFL teams. He ended his holdout after the trade deadline passed but nevertheless hasn’t played a single game in 2019.
While Williams’ claims that he wants to be traded because he lost his faith in the organization, sources close to the situation say that the bigger issue is the new contract. He has one year left on his deal, which will pay him $12.5 million in 2020, and would like to get a big raise. The reports say that Williams is looking to become the highest-paid tackle in the game, and would like to get more than $20 million a year.
So far, there it’s unclear which team might make a move for Williams, but Cleveland Browns emerge as the most intriguing option. Browns tried to trade for the player in the past, and might now rekindle their interest as he’s officially on the market.
