Browns still interested in Trent Williams trade despite previous issues with Redskins
The Washington Redskins botched an opportunity to trade Trent Williams for a high draft pick prior to the deadline last season, but they may have another chance to move the All-Pro offensive lineman leading into the draft.
The Cleveland Browns, who aggressively pursued Williams last year, are still interested in acquiring the Pro Bowler, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports.
I’m told acquiring Trent Williams is “still on the table” for the #Browns, per source today. "Nothing is imminent or super close right now," but the #Browns are keeping their thumb on the situation–meaning something still may, or may not happen w/Trent before or after the Draft.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 21, 2020
Williams has been demanding that the Redskins trade him since early last season, and the Browns were reportedly willing to give up a first-round pick for him at one point. Washington repeatedly insisted they were not trading Williams before lowering the asking price at the last second, and the Browns were furious over the way the situation was handled.
There was some optimism at first that Williams might want to stay with the Redskins now that Ron Rivera has taken over as head coach, but all indications are that the relationship is not salvageable. The issues Williams had with the team’s medical staff are not going to just disappear, and another lengthy holdout could be coming if the Redskins refuse to trade or release him.