Trent Williams trade rumours: Redskins allow tackle to pursue trade; Browns show interest

Dan Bernstein

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Trent Williams trade rumours: Redskins allow tackle to pursue trade; Browns show interest image

Star left tackle Trent Williams may finally be freed from the Redskins in the coming months after the team on Thursday reportedly agreed to let him explore trade options through his agent, Vincent Taylor.

Williams didn't play a down in 2019 and entered a bitter dispute with the team over its handling of a growth on his head that was eventually discovered to be a rare form of cancer. Williams alleges that the organization did not take the matter seriously, negligence that he says could have cost him his life.

While much of Williams' gripe with the Redskins last year revolved around since-fired team president Bruce Allen, it seems he still wants to move on. In response to a text inquiry from The Washington Post this week regarding whether he was done with playing in Washington, Williams reportedly wrote, "Yeah pretty much."

Williams was selected to seven straight Pro Bowls before not suiting up last season.

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There's a financial incentive for Washington to move Williams soon. JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington points out that the Redskins would enter free agency with $72 million in cap room if they trade Williams ($14.5 million cap hit for 2020, per Spotrac.com) before then.

The Browns, who have been linked to Williams before, are reportedly interested in adding him to shore up their offensive line. They are likely to be joined by other suitors.

Whichever team lands Williams will come away with one of the best tackles in the game, likely for far below market value. The new franchise would be the first NFL change of scenery for the 31-year-old, who has spent his entire career in Washington.

Dan Bernstein