Trent Williams released a statement through his agent this week ripping the Washington Redskins for not giving him an opportunity to play for another team, and that apparently was not merely an attempt from the All-Pro tackle to secure a new contract.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini spoke with sources on both sides of the rift between Williams and the Redskins, and she was told the relationship cannot be salvaged. While there was initially some hope that Williams and new head coach Ron Rivera could smooth things over, it doesn’t sound like Williams has been all that thrilled with how Rivera has handled the situation, either.
It has been made clear to me there is no salvageable relationship between the Washington Redskins and Trent Williams. I’ve spoken to multiple sources from both sides and here’s where it stands:
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
Williams met with Ron Rivera for about 10-15 minutes a couple weeks ago, and afterwards there was not a feeling between the two that this was going to work.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
Trent and his reps noticed the team met with free agent players before meeting with him, which wasn’t a strong first impression of the new regime. Sources says there are still players now on the roster Washington coaches haven't met with. This wasn't intentional per sources
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
Russini added that Williams respects Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and does not want the relationship to be tarnished permanently. Williams and his representatives found a team that was interested in a trade after receiving permission from Washington, but both sides are blaming the other for no deal getting done.
The Redskins shopped Williams leading up to the combine and had interest per sourcs. Days after the combine, the club allowed Williams’ agent to seek a trade partner. Since then Williams’ agency found a team who want to do business.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
I’m told Washington tried to negotiate, but believe they can’t just give a player like Trent away for small value in return. From what I learned, Wash believes they have been flexible and this is on Williams’ agency. The agency believes Wash has been inconsistent in their ask.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
Williams has reportedly asked Washington for an absurd amount of money, but that does not mean he expects another team to pay him that. He is almost certainly just making financial demands that he knows the Redskins won’t meet, thus making them more likely to move on from him.
There was some optimism that Williams may be open to playing for Washington under Rivera, but the issues the Pro Bowler had with the team’s medical staff are not going to just disappear. Another lengthy holdout could be coming if the Redskins refuse to trade or release Williams.
