After an ugly, season-long standoff, the Redskins could be on the verge of trading seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams before or during NFL Draft 2020.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that “The #Redskins have talked to multiple teams about a potential trade of LT Trent Williams.”
At 31 years old, Williams is still regarded as one of the league’s top linemen, perhaps even more talented than any of the tackles in this year’s class. He could fetch a hefty ransom for the Redskins as high as a first-round pick, which would change draft-day plans for many teams.
“I was just told that the Redskins will trade Trent Williams and get a No. 1 pick, then use that pick on an offensive lineman,” Dan Patrick said on his radio show on Wednesday.
There are four premier tackles projected to be selected in the first round that head coach Ron Rivera could eyeing to fill Williams’ spot — Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton.
Various reports have named a number of teams as having expressed interest, including the Browns (No. 10), who seem like the most viable trade partner. The Buccaneers, who were in the mix for Williams last season and are in win-now mode with Tom Brady, are also a possibility with the No. 14 pick.
The Jets (No. 11) have been mentioned, but are a less likely option. The Eagles (No. 21) and Vikings (No. 22) are less likely candidates than the Browns.
The Redskins’ 2010 first-round pick was granted permission to seek a trade back in March after sitting out the 2019 season over a medical dispute, but the team revoked that control on Wednesday, per multiple reports.
“Interesting note on the Trent Williams situation: The #Redskins have closed the window for Williams and his agent Vince Taylor to work our a trade, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” Mike Garafolo wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. “Teams often want full control of these situations heading into the draft and that’s the case here.”
The team currently owns the No. 2 overall pick and is not interested in offers for that coveted spot.
“My source still believes that Chase Young is going to Washington,” Patrick said.