Tag: Trent Williams

Report: Jets among teams pursuing Redskins LT Trent Williams

The Jets among teams pursuing Redskins LT Trent Williams, who was given permission to seek a trade this week.

The Jets are among teams interested in trading for Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, according to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes. Williams, 31, has been given permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.

Williams has been at odds with Washington for most of the past year. He was concerned over how the team medial staff handled a medical condition. Williams had a cancerous growth removed from his scalp last offseason.

According to Williams, Washington’s staff told him for several years that the growth was a non-cancerous cyst. After receiving outside consultation, he was told the growth was cancerous and dangerously close to reaching his brain.

The Jets will attempt to improve their offensive line through any avenue possible this offseason. That starts with inquiring about Williams’ availability even though the Redskins will be seeking fair compensation.

Williams is under contract through the 2020 season and is slated to earn $12.5 million in base salary. However, he is said to be looking for an extension, which could make a deal with New York difficult given the Jets’ numerous other holes on the roster.

Redskins declare OT Trent Williams available via trade

Redskins declare OT Trent Williams available via trade and his ties to Browns OL coach Bill Callahan are hard to ignore

Throughout the 2019 season and up until the very last minute of the trade deadline, many Cleveland Browns fans ached for the chance to trade for Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams. The veteran Pro Bowler was holding out in a bitter dispute with the team over both his contract and how they handled a cancer diagnosis.

Though then-Browns GM John Dorsey tried, the Redskins ultimately held onto Williams. Now that the season has ended, Washington’s new management and coaching regime have decided to allow Williams to seek out a trade after all. And with the Browns need at left tackle even more alarming now, plus former Skins coach Bill Callahan now coaching the OL in Cleveland, those are very easy dots to connect. Callahan was his position coach for three seasons.

It is not known what exactly Washington will ask in return for Williams. Now 31, he made the Pro Bowl every season from 2012-2018, the last time he played. He has battled injury issues for several years; Williams last played 16 games in 2013.

Williams has one year left on his contract and is due a $12.5 million salary. He turns 32 in July.

 

Redskins picked good offseason to lose Trent Williams given quality OT market

The Redskins have plenty of ways to upgrade.

If the Washington Redskins had to pick an offseason to lose Trent Williams, this would be the one to do it.

Losing Williams isn’t ideal, but it sure seems like a flamethrower has been taken to the bridge itself if Ron Rivera can’t mend the relationship. Instead, the team has given Williams the nod to seek a trade.

We’ll see if something happens on that front. But the good news? This sure beats last year when it was an unknown as to whether Williams would return at all. All that before trotting out rookie Dwayne Haskins behind a shaky line.

This year the Redskins stand in an uncharacteristically strong market for offensive tackles, as ESPN’s Field Yates noted:

The Redskins probably aren’t going to waste a prime draft slot on the position unless they trade down — Chase Young is too good to pass up.

But free agency? There’s a real chance a front office with a reputation as one unafraid to spend big goes out and does just that to stabilize the line in front of Haskins.

Again, losing Williams isn’t fun. But if there were a time to do it, it’s right now.

[vertical-gallery id=31288]

Trent Williams workout video could go a long way to increase trade value

A workout video of Trent Williams shows him looking explosive and nimble, cooling doubts that he’s lost a step while sitting out.

It’s never fun to see pictures of your ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend right after you break up. They may be looking clean and cut, having cute drinks in a cute bar with their cute friends, making you think back to times when they were yours.

What’s almost worse than that is seeing your significant other starting to get their life together and hit the gym while knowing they’re on their way out the door. That’s what’s going on with Trent Williams and the Washington Redskins about now. It was reported on Thursday that the Redskins were allowing Williams to seek a trade, and soon after a video of the 31-year-old working out over the past couple of weeks reached the surface.

He looks good.

So good in fact that it might be catching the eye of a few NFL teams who are on the market for an elite left tackle. After Williams spent the last year without playing, some people may have had questions as to how he was physically, and what shape he would be in to play in 2020, should they give him a hefty new contract.

Some of those questions might have been answered now.

[vertical-gallery id=31001]

News: Crazy mock has Cowboys trading Prescott for draft picks

Speculation season runs wild as Philadelphia prepares to break the bank for Byron Jones and Dez Bryant name-drops as he lobbies to return.

In this dry period between the Scouting Combine and the start of free agency, it’s speculation season. It’s the time of mock drafts and hypothetical contracts, of outside-the-box trade scenarios and what-if hot takes. But for fans who don’t believe in an offseason, it’s the stuff that keeps the engines turning. And, truth be told, anticipating what might happen is a lot more fun than just waiting for something to actually happen.

Thursday in Cowboys Nation saw a mock draft that apparently took the Unthinkable Express straight out of Crazytown, a division rival possibly breaking the bank for a Dallas Pro Bowler, an agent talking through Dak Prescott’s potential short-term strategy, and Dez Bryant name-dropping as he lobbies for a storybook return to The Star. All that, plus an encouraging notion for Cowboys defensive linemen and a look at what’s next for the forgotten young talent buried in the Dallas linebacker corps.

Philadelphia Eagles reportedly preparing to ‘take a home run swing’ at Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones :: PennLive

Philadelphia appears to be serious about landing the Cowboys’ shutdown corner; media outlets in Pennsylvania are tossing around figures that would make Byron Jones an Eagle and the highest-paid cornerback in the league with a record-breaking deal when the legal tampering period begins on March 16.

What CBA player-vote window means to 2020 Cowboys :: CowboysWire

The football world continues to track the biggest news of the offseason as the Collective Bargaining Agreement has been sent to the players to vote on. The vote and its timing greatly impacts Dallas’s free agency plans. Cowboys Wire’s own K.D. Drummond takes a deeper look at the latest CBA news through a decidedly sliver and blue lens.

Agent’s Take: Can Dak Prescott get the short-term contract he seeks from the Cowboys? :: CBS Sports

The Jones family loves to lock down their superstars in long-term mega-deals, but recent quarterback history and the current CBA numbers suggest that Dak Prescott would rather buck the trend and sign a three-year contract instead. A former sports agent breaks down the dollars to make some sense of the negotiations in Dallas.

Will the Cowboys Open the NFL’s New Stadiums? :: The Mothership

The Rams and Raiders are set to open their new home stadiums this season in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, respectively, and Jerry Jones says the Cowboys would love to help them open their doors.

2020 Mock Draft Roundup: Cowboys commonly attached to Florida CB Henderson :: CowboysWire

With Byron Jones likely out of Dallas, cornerback is a big need in Big D. Tony Thompson breaks down why many experts think the Cowboys could go after this cornerback from the SEC.

Dez Bryant says he would be ‘perfect’ for the Cowboys, name-checks the stars on Dallas offense :: Blogging the Boys

Dez Bryant has been extremely vocal regarding his potential return to Dallas next season. His latest statements indicate how he thinks he could fit in with the rest of the Cowboys’ talented offensive weapons.

Every NFL team’s weakest link heading into free agency :: Bleacher Report

2020’s version of the Great Wall of Dallas could use some patching, according to this list, which calls out the left guard position as the team’s weakest link. With Connor Williams developing too slowly for some and Xavier Su’a-Filo about to hit free agency, maybe those Ronald Leary whispers sound just a little sweeter.

[lawrence-related id=640865]

What’s Up: Gifford likely to have expanded role :: The Mothership

The promising start to linebacker Luke Gifford’s rookie season took a serious hit in the first half of 2019’s first preseason game. Now fully recovered and in a positional group that’s full of question marks, the former Nebraska Cornhusker could get extra looks at some new opportunities.

Gil’s first No. 1 pick? Hall of Famer and “Mr. Cowboy” Bob Lilly. That’s awfully good company for The Playmaker to be in.

Redskins grant LT Williams permission to seek trade; Eagles letting LT Jason Peters test free-agent market :: NFL.com

In separate news items sure to delight the Dallas defensive line and coaching staff, a pair of division rivals could each see their elite-caliber left tackle suddenly leave the NFC East.

2020 NFL Mock Draft: Cowbys tag and trade Dak Prescott to Dolphins in outside-the-box first round :: CBS Sports

In the wildest mock draft making the rounds, Will Brinson has concocted a scenario whereby the Cowboys trade a non-exclusive-franchise-tagged Dak Prescott to Miami for their two 2020 first-round picks. Letting Prescott go may seem certifiably crazy, but what if it meant reloading the roster with Tua Tagovailoa, Grant Delpit, and CeeDee Lamb?

[vertical-gallery id=639104][lawrence-newsletter]

Free agent power rankings 2.0: The Post-Trent Williams Edition

The Redskins now have a hole to fill on the offensive line with Trent Williams leaving, so the free agency power ranking has been shaken up.

News broke on Thursday afternoon that shook up the Washington Redskins’ free agency blueprint. It’s not that they weren’t expecting Trent Williams to move on, but now it’s a sure thing that they will have to try to replace him for the 2020 season. While finding a starting-caliber left tackle can be done in the NFL draft, it is much more likely to be done in free agency — especially considering that the Redskins are likely to be without a second-round pick, unless one is received in the trade for Williams.

We are now less than 2 weeks away from free agency officially beginning, and a lot has changed since we last stepped back and took a look at the hierarchy in which the Redskins free agent targets stand. Some have signed, and some have been franchise tagged. Some have been simply removed from the board, now that a bigger need presents itself. So let’s get into it; here’s our updated ranking of free agents that the Redskins should look to snag this offseason.

No. 10 — WR Amari Cooper

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a catch while being guarded by Jimmy Moreland #32 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

As far as free agent wide receivers go, you couldn’t do much better than Amari Cooper, who is likely to cash a nice check this free agency period. After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, Cooper has quickly returned to his early-career form and became a great No. 1 option for Dak Prescott. Now, with his future in Dallas up in the air while Jerry Jones and Co. look to figure out what to do with Prescott, it would be a perfect time for Washington to try and nab Cooper.

While he is the top WR on the market, he is also low in our rankings simple because of the money he would require in order to be brought in. Wide receiver isn’t one of the absolute biggest needs on the roster, though a solid veteran would be a great addition. I would be surprised if the Redskins ponied up and paid Cooper.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10

Should the Dolphins explore trading for OT Trent Williams?

Should the Dolphins explore trading for OT Trent Williams?

The long-lasting saga between the Washington Redskins and offensive tackle Trent Williams appears to be coming to a close. Williams held out in hopes of being traded for the majority of 2019 — before ultimately failing his physical upon his return in late October. That ended Williams’ season before it ever began and has seemingly drove a wedge between the two parties, even after owner Dan Snyder fired executive (and primary guilty party) Bruce Allen this winter.

New Washington head coach Ron Rivera seemed hopeful that Williams could return to the field for the team, but that appears to be an afterthought at this point — Williams’ agent has been given permission to pursue a trade.

Should the Dolphins be interested?

Of course. This isn’t a Jason Peters situation — Williams could feasibly have several years of stalwart play left in him. He’ll be 32-years old when the 2020 season opens and entering the final year of his contract, of which he’s owed $12.5M in base salary. It would be a fairly easy contract to absorb for about two thirds of the league’s salary cap situations. But the uneasiness for trading for Williams stems from the year of football he just missed and the prospect of tacking on a long-term contract to a trade. That’s almost assuredly in the cards.

It wasn’t too long ago that the Cleveland Browns were rumored to offer their 2020 1st-round pick for Williams — but Allen nixed that deal during the season and now Washington is probably left wishing someone else called that shot. It’s hard to imagine given the risk, age and lack of long-term control, that the market for Williams would include 1st-round selections. That plays into Miami’s hand if the team would like to make a play for Williams.

The Dolphins have a ton of draft picks — might the latter of the team’s two 2nd-round picks be enough to get a deal done? If it is, then the Dolphins should by all means make it happen. But if the asking price is a late 1 or early 2, Miami should say “thanks but no thanks”.

[vertical-gallery id=420193]

A Trent Williams trade gives Redskins nearly $72 million in cap space

Williams was owed over $12 million dollars in 2020, but the Redskins will likely look to find his replacement on the free-agency market.

In a matter of weeks, if not days, Trent Williams will be on a new team, and the Washington Redskins will have a hole to fill at the left tackle position.

This was a likely outcome that has been brewing for the past year now, though it seemed like a solid relationship might be reformed when Ron Rivera made contact with the nine-year veteran earlier this year, discussing a return to the Redskins. Now, with one of the biggest questions marks of their offseason seemingly answered, Washington will be forced to look ahead and figure out what they might do at the left tackle position.

With Williams’ money off the books, a solid find on the free-agent market is not out of question.

If you consider the roughly $15-16 million that will go to right guard Brandon Scherff with the franchise tag out of the equation, the Redskins still have a nice chunk of change to work with on the open market. They are known to be highly interested in adding a high-end tight end like Austin Hooper, and they will surely look to pick up a cornerback like James Bradberry or Kendall Fuller as well. But now, with Williams gone, left tackle became quite possibly the biggest need to fill on offense, and the Redskins will undoubtedly need to spend in order to do so.

[vertical-gallery id=31001]

Trent Williams says it’s time for a change of scenery, and it’s hard to disagree

After nine years and 120 games with the Redskins, Williams will look to extend his career with a contending NFL team.

The Trent Williams’ situation with the Washington Redskins has been on life support for the past week or so, and it seems that the plug was finally pulled on Thursday afternoon when the team notified the seven-time Pro-Bowler that he was free to seek a trade.

The Redskins have let go, and now their star offensive lineman will leave town when the time is right.

Whether you were in the camp of keeping Williams around for the future, or you wanted the team to trade him away and save the likely $20-million in salary cap going forward, you had a solid argument to lean on. When healthy, yes, Williams was one of the best LTs in the game, and his presence on the offensive line would have single-handedly improved the offense by leaps and bounds in 2020. At the same time, though, Williams is about to turn 32-years-old, and he hasn’t played in over a year.

No matter what you feel, one thing is still likely true, even if you don’t want to admit it; you’re happy this contentious dance is over, and both sides can move on.

That’s how Williams feels right about now, as well.

During his time in Washington, Williams rose to become one of the greatest players in Redskins history, and he fought hard to best-represent the Burgundy & Gold. To wish anything but the best for him going forward is wrong. Not only did he give his blood sweat and tears to the Redskins’ organization for the first nine years of his career, playing in 120 games; he also was the driving factor in getting Bruce Allen removed from the building, spurring on the much-needed culture change that is under construction right now.

Thanks for the great times, Trent. For all of Redskins nation, we hope the very best for you going forward.

[vertical-gallery id=31288]

Cleveland Browns rise as most likely trade candidate for Trent Williams

Trent Williams is now free to seek a trade, and the Cleveland Browns are arguably the most likely team to offer something for him.

Trent Williams is likely on his way out of Washington. However that may make you feel, whether elated or deflated, it is all but a done deal, now that the Redskins have informed the veteran left tackle that he is free to seek a trade.

It could be days, or it could be weeks, but the outcome is pretty inevitable at this point; Trent Williams is going to be playing for a new team when the 2020 NFL season kicks off.

But who will that new team be? There are several options, like a contending team that needs a little bit of help on the offensive line that will push them over the edge into becoming a real power. One team that has been mentioned often is the Cleveland Browns, who reportedly discussed a potential trade for Williams in the closing hours before the 2019 trade deadline.

The Browns are ripe with talent across both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, but the offensive line is still in need of major improvement if they are to let QB Baker Mayfield realize his potential. Putting Williams on his blindside is about as good of amove as they could make at this point.

Whether it’s the Browns or not, expect chatter to build as Williams and his camp continue to search for a trade partner over the coming days.

[vertical-gallery id=31001]