With the NFL Draft set to begin on Thursday, it is a nine-year veteran generating a lot of buzz.
Trent Williams, the Redskins’ big-bodied offensive lineman, might be the best available offensive lineman for teams looking to bolster their offensive protection. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder is coming off a season in which he didn’t appear in a single game but does have 120 under his belt.
However, he’s going to be 32 in July and has a cap hit of $14.5 million in 2020.
There was much dialogue last month about the potential for a trade; dialogue that ended in an essential “trade me or cut me” message from the offensive lineman’s camp. While all well and good, because the veteran has a track record of excellence and a desire to win, but he also wants a monster extension.
The New York Jets had been linked to him very tightly three to four weeks ago but haven’t been as active since. They have the 11th pick on Friday and are looking to build an offensive line to protect Sam Darnold. If they can rebound and strike a deal for Williams, that would enable them to turn their eyes on a receiver to help the young quarterback even more.
The Cleveland Browns are also very much in play. They have a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski, who is trying to help unlock the full potential of former first overall pick, Baker Mayfield. Getting Williams would very much give Mayfield the much-needed support that he showed that he needed and deserves.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who just traded for Rob Gronkowski and signed Tom Brady, look like they can’t any better but don’t count that out. They have a decent offensive line that may get even better. They reportedly had a deal that would send tight-end O.J. Howard over to the District of Columbia back in February that never went through.
They have now revisited those talks after getting the aforementioned Gronkowski.
There is an issue with the price Williams is asking for. He has requested $20 million per year, which is a lot for an offensive lineman whose last down of football came in Dec. 2018. Not to mention the fact he’s 32 years old.
The Redskins are also asking a high price, wanting a first or two seconds along with a young player.
It’s now only a matter of time until Williams finds out what jersey he will don next season.
