In an offseason that is ripe with mega-decisions that have the potential to sway the future of the franchise in Washington, one of the biggest puzzle pieces to fall for the Redskins is regarding left tackle Trent Williams.
After holding out for the entire 2019 season due to a number of reasons, involving both a mistrust of the franchise and an inability to reach an agreement on a contract extension, the feeling in the building has started to shift. Williams made contact with head coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday, and it’s starting to feel like the two could piece together a plan to get the seven-time Pro-Bowler back into the locker room in Washington.
For one former Redskins player, this comes as absolutely no surprise. Ricky Ervins, a former Redskins tailback, and Super Bowl XXVI Champion talked to The Athletic recently and explained that if there is anyone who is capable of convincing Williams to come back, it’s Rivera.
“If anybody can talk to Trent, it’s Ron,” Ervins said. “Because you’ve got, not just a coach talking to him, but a player who’s been there and experienced some of the stuff. I’m sure he didn’t have no tumor, but he experienced some of those bumps and bruises. All that stuff, it’s in the past, those guys ain’t here no more. It’s a new slate. Let’s start fresh, and see what we can do. I promise you, Ron will get him back here.”
On top of Rivera taking over the coaching staff, Ervins notes that the addition of offensive line coach John Matsko should also be a heavy factor in Williams’ desire to come back to Washington. Matsko is a veteran coach who is well-respected in the NFL, and he won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in 2000 with ‘The Greatest Show on Turf.” According to Ervins, Matsko is already operating under the impression that he will get to coach Williams in 2020, and a successful marriage will be rebuilt.
“I haven’t asked him anything about how he felt about the line, but I know he has to be excited about it because he believes he’s going to get Trent,” Ervins said. “He has to believe that because when Ron speaks to (Williams), or when Ron speaks to anybody, things happen.”
Rivera has convinced us that he is the right guy to help lift the Redskins from this perpetual state of losing. Will Trent Williams be next?
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