Just because the Washington Redskins have agreed to allow left tackle Trent Williams to see a trade does not mean that this situation is coming to a close any time soon. There is still much to be done before Williams finds himself in a new uniform, playing somewhere outside of the nation’s capital.
While a legitimate trade market has been set for Williams, with suitors like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos reportedly inquiring about a potential deal, fair compensations for the Redskins remains key in any agreement. On top of that, whichever team Williams lands with will need to work out a contract extension with the seven-time Pro-Bowler as well, something that Washington was able to get done.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, this three-person dance may last for quite some time.
The Redskins won’t just give Trent Williams away, which leads to one big question: What if they can’t make a trade? That will lead to interesting decisions and possibly another summer of wondering whether Williams will report. The process just started and several teams already have contacted Williams’ side. But it’ll take not only a team getting a contract worked out but then fair compensation for Washington. Otherwise both sides will have a decision to make about continuing this relationship.
It’s an important question to bring up: what happens if nobody wants to both sign Williams to an extension AND give Washington a worthy asset in return? It’s no secret that the Redskins are high on the 31-year-old’s ability, and his recent workout videos show that he is still in prime shape. The team reportedly is searching for an early-round draft pick in return as well, if not more.
That’s quite a price to pay for an aging left tackle, but Williams is quite the player.
The point is, just because things seem to be coming to an end with the Trent Williams situation doesn’t mean it will be over before you know it. This could draw out through the offseason, and potentially into the 2020 season as well. If that happens, who knows what the two sides will choose to do.
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