The Washington Redskins have been told by their left tackle Trent Williams that he will not be reporting to mandatory mini-camp and has demanded a trade.
There are certain franchises around the NFL that cannot seem to get out of their own way. The Washington Redskins are one of those franchises. Regardless of what happens on the field, there is a breath of trouble always clouding the air in the nation’s capital. A relatively positive off-season has now been cast to the shadows as possibly the team’s best player, left tackle Trent Williams, has reportedly asked for a trade.
According to Rotoworld, the All-Pro left tackle has told teammates that he will not be reporting to the Redskins.
What started as many speculating Williams holding out for a new contract has had some light shed on it. There are now multiple reports that Williams is in fact not reporting to camp because of a perceived mishandling of a medical procedure. Some are speculating it is related to the tumor in Williams’ head that was removed this offseason, including Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
But there’s a sense in some league circles that Williams is concerned about more than his contract, and that he has hard feelings against the team regarding the manner in which the tumor/growth on his head was handled.
If the Redskins decide to move on from their star lineman, there will be plenty of suitors. Even after what was considered a strong draft of offensive lineman, teams are desperate for help at tackle – nevermind an All-Pro caliber one. Offensive line talent is always at a premium. Just look at the contracts signed by free agent tackles Trent Brown and Ja’Wuan James. Both of those players are younger than Williams but neither brings the track record and talent level of the Redskins tackle.
Here are five teams that should be picking up the phone for Williams’ services if Washington is truly shopping him.