In an ever-changing NFL landscape, things happen quickly, and they happen in abundance. Just over the past week, Tom Brady found a new team in Tampa Bay, the New York Jets added to their offense, and the Miami Dolphins focused heavily on their defense, hoping to round out their team.
During that time, Trent Williams’ agent sent a public note to the Washington Redskins, asking for him to be traded and accusing the team of not operating in good faith when it comes to the left tackle. That accusation is a bit up for debate, but it’s been stated nonetheless.
Despite all of these things happening, nothing has really changed at all for the Redskins, Williams, and any prospective team that might trade for him. Washington still is unlikely to lower their asking price on Williams, and the seven-time Pro-Bowler is highly unlikely to lower his contract demands for whatever team acquires him. Because of this, the number of teams lining up to trade for the 32-year-old is relatively short. Until one of those sides blinks in this staring contest, nothing is likely to change any time soon.
With all of that said there are five real teams that could have interest in trading for Trent, should one of those prices drop. Here’s our best guess on who would be hitting the Redskins line.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you’re going to line up the oldest QB in the NFL behind center, you’re going to need a guaranteed left tackle who can help keep him clean. At the moment, the Bucs don’t have that. A trade for Trent would be the best thing that Tampa Bay could do for their new QB.
Unfortunately, the Bucs have Donovan Smith at the LT position right now, who isn’t as good as Trent, but better than many other options. Williams would be the best player that the Bucs could grab at the position, but it seems unlikely that they will.
New York Jets
The Jets are losing LT Kelvin Beachum in free agency this season, which left a hole at the position until they signed former Seattle Seahawk George Fant, making it less likely that they bring in Trent. Fant could be moved to the RT position, should the team desire to build a super-line for QB Sam Darnold, seeing as the team has enough cap space to sign Williams to the extension he desires.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns might be the most likely team to trade for Trent, but it would absolutely have to be at a lower asking price in order to happen. Cleveland already made a big-time signing this season by bringing in RT Jack Conklin, but Williams would solidify the left side of the line for QB Baker Mayfield as well. Former Washington offensive line coach Bill Callahan is now in Cleveland too, which could be appealing for Williams. The Browns also have a nice stock of draft picks for this season as well.
Denver Broncos
Garett Bolles has been a contentious name for any Denver Broncos fan over the past couple of years. After being drafted in the first round of the 2017 draft, Bolles has really struggled to find his footing in the league, and he’s been one of the most penalized players in that time, drawing 32 flags in three years.
John Elway and the Broncos may choose to ride this out for one more year with Bolles, but it would come as absolutely no shock to see them move away from the 27-year-old and trade for a sure-thing. We saw the struggle with Dwayne Haskins last year; there’s nothing you can do more to help a young quarterback than giving him a solid blocker on his blindside. For Drew Lock, this would be a major helper. Denver has also already been highly active when it comes to roster moves this offseason, following a trade for cornerback AJ Bouye, and the signing of RB Melvin Gordon. That movement could keep rolling with a deal for Williams.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have been major players in free agency this season, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, signing CB Byron Jones and LB Kyle Van Noy. They also addressed the offensive line a bit by adding former Redskin Ereck Flowers at the LG position. Still, though, they have Julie’n Davenport slotted in as their LT at the moment, which doesn’t quite fit. Judging by a lot of their moves, Miami thinks that they could be in a position to win in the near future, and Trent Williams would help them do that.
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