Trent Willliams has gone to seven Pro Bowls in nine seasons as the Redskins' left tackle. It's not sounding good for the 2010 first-round pick to make it 10 seasons in Washington.
With CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reporting that Williams' absence from OTAs is tied to a request to be traded or released, every team looking for a top, experienced blindiside pass-protector should be immediatey interested.
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Although Willliams turns 31 in July and continues to carry some durability issues, he can be a major upgrade at a position that's hard to improve in the veteran market. But for what three teams does making a big move for Williams make the most sense?
Here's the quick rundown.
1. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been aggressive in getting help for rising superstar quarterback Baker Mayfield, highlighted by new go-to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Now general manager John Dorsey should strongly consider making another blockbuster move with another NFC East team.
Not soon after the Williams rumors began to swirl, Cleveland released one shaky left tackle, Desmond Harrison, leaving another, Greg Robinson, as its best remaining option at the position. The Browns, despite their splashy offseason so far, still have more than $30 million left under the cap, per OverTheCap.com.
Having Willilams to lock down the left side next to 2018 Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio would be a big boost for both Mayield and the running game. That's a no-brainer target for the Browns.
2. Houston Texans
The Texans watched Deshaun Watson get sacked a David Carr-like 62 times last season, and they did address offensive tackle this year by drafting Tytus Howard in the first round. But given how bad holdovers Julie'n Davenport and Martinas Rankin where last season, and with Seantrel Henderson not being much better, Houston shouldn't shy away from doubling down to solve its edge-blocking rpoblem.
Since Duane Brown was dealt to the Seahawks in the middle of the 2017 season, the Texans (mainly Watson) have been feeling the pain at left tackle. Williams can quickly ease it for a team that, at around $41 million, has the second-most cap space in the NFL.
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3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills already have four new starters in front of second-year quarterback Josh Allen. Before they drafted right guard Cody Ford, signed in free agency were left guard Quinton Spain (Titans), center Mitch Morse (Chiefs) and right tackle Ty Nsekhe (Redskins).
Why stop at settling for Dion Dawkins at left tackle? Reuniting Williams with Nsekhe as Bills' bookends would complete the overhaul. They have been willing spenders to complement their youth movement with the acceleration of Allen's development in mind.
The cap isn't an issue for Buffalo, either, having $22 million-plus with which to work.
