The Redskins have finally, officially moved on from Trent Williams. Washington traded the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle to San Francisco before the start of Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Williams, who fell out with the Redskins after how his now-former team handled his health issues last year, had been on the block since October's midseason trade deadline. By going to the 49ers and coach Kyle Shanahan, the No. 4 overall pick from 2010 reunites with his first NFL offensive coordinator.
Here's grading the trade for both teams, based on what the 49ers gave up and the Redskins got for Williams.
2020 NFL DRAFT:
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49ers: A
The fact that the 49ers gave up a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round pick for Williams is unofficial confirmation that six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley will not be returning for a 14th season. While Staley would have been entering his age 36 season, Williams turns 32 this summer.
The 49ers' previous moves during the draft, taking defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the first round with little remaining pick capital, were clearly made to reload as NFC champons. Kinlaw is a direct replacement for DeForest Buckner, traded to the Colts, while Aiyuk is a seamless rookie fill-in for Emmanuel Sanders, who signed with the Saints.
MORE: Full list of 49ers' 2020 draft picks
General manager John Lynch wants another crack at the Super Bowl badly before facing bigger roster concerns in 2021, including the free agency of cornerback Richard Sherman. After losing Staley in front of Jimmy Garoppolo, Williams was the best possible solution in this stage of the offseason.
Williams can be rejuvenated operating in Shanahan's blocking scheme, with which he has great familarity from their many days together in Washington. The 49ers now have their positional strengths intact from 2019 to avoid a hangover and dropoff in a top-heavy conference of contenders.
Redskins: A
The Redskins needed someone to be desperate enough at tackle to move Williams for something significant. He was never going to net anything higher than a third-rounder given his age and durability concerns. San Francisco delivered with the bonus of a fifth-rounder to boot.
Washington did take LSU tackle Saadiq Charles in the fourth round soon after dealing Williams, but Charles is more of a developmental backup who might be best suited to play guard in the NFL. The downside is not having Williams on the blind side for Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen.
TRADE TRACKER: Live details on every deal
But then again, Williams didn't play at all last season, and he wasn't going to play for the Redskins again, anyway.
Right tackle Morgan Moses is an OK player and under contract for a while, but Charles has a better chance to challenge him than being in consideration for Williams' spot. This means the Redskins will need to address offensive tackle in the first round in 2021, regardless of how their QB situation plays out this season.
