The Washington Redskins have been telling interested teams that they will not trade All-Pro offensive lineman Trent Williams prior to Tuesday’s deadline, but they have apparently changed their stance.
Washington is open to dealing Williams and will now listen to offers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. The Cleveland Browns are one team that has been aggressively pursuing him in recent weeks.
Sources: The #Redskins are now open to dealing star LT Trent Williams. They have begun the process of looking at potential suitors, and the #Browns have been one. Unclear how high they set the asking price, but they’ll at least listen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2019
Previous reports claimed the Redskins will not trade Williams before the offseason, but this could be their way of seeing if a desperate team will blow them away with an offer. After another game in which Baker Mayfield was hit numerous times and their offensive line looked a mess on Sunday, the Browns could be that team.
Williams is under contract through next season and due to make $12.5 million in 2020. It makes little sense to hold him hostage rather than acquiring what would likely be a high draft pick for him, but the Redskins could be essentially playing chicken with the 31-year-old.
In addition to possibly being unhappy with his contract situation, Williams is said to be at odds with Washington’s medical staff over the way his health scare was handled during the offseason. The seven-time Pro Bowler will need to report to the team within the next few weeks to prevent his contract from tolling if he’s not traded.
