The Trent Williams drama in Washington has taken another turn, one that will no doubt pique the interest of Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns.
After months of trade rumors — notably with heavy interest from the Browns — have not gone anywhere, Williams has finally, formally requested a trade or release from the Redskins. The veteran left tackle wants out.
From Williams’ agent, Vince Taylor (via Mike Garafolo on Twitter),
Throughout the process, Williams has maintained his silence and not spoken negatively about the team nor has he pursued potential legal actions. This seems to not be a successful strategy. Players who are outwardly critical of the team do get traded.
Although Trent Williams will always love and respect Dan Snyder, his teammates, and the Washington Redskins’ fans, he wants to be traded or released. It’s time for the organization to act in a manner that is in both Williams’ and the team’s best interest.
Since the failed John Dorsey efforts to bring Williams to Cleveland, the Browns have changed regimes and added Jack Conklin to solidify the right tackle spot. With the No. 10 overall pick in a draft class loaded with premium offensive tackle prospects, there is less of a glaring impetus to give up assets to acquire Williams. He’s now 31 and in the final year of his contract that will pay him $12.5 million in 2020.
It’s hard to know just how much Berry, the team’s new GM, and the Kevin Stefanski coaching staff value one potential year of Williams. Expect there to be interest from the Browns but not at the desperation levels exhibited by Dorsey.