The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Browns could be in hunt for Williams
The Browns need a left tackle, and the Redskins are open to dealing seventime Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams.
The Redskins on March 5 gave Williams permission to seek a trade. Williams, who has had a running feud with the Redskins because of disputes with the medical staff and former team president Bruce Allen, did not play in 2019. A cancerous growth was removed from his scalp last offseason.
The Browns have the 10th pick in the first round of the 2020 draft, which begins April 23. Their secondround pick is 41st overall. They have picks 74 and 90 in the third round.
What general manager Andrew Berry would have to give the Redskins in trade depends on how many other teams have left tackle as a top need. The Giants (fourth) and Cardinals (eighth) are teams drafting before the Browns that also need a left tackle.
The Giants, Cardinals and Browns could all use their first-round pick to fill other needs by trading a second-round or thirdround pick for Williams.
Former Browns general manager John Dorsey tried to acquire Williams near the trade deadline last year, but Allen rejected his offer. Allen reportedly wanted a firstround draft pick or cornerback Denzel Ward. Dorsey considered that asking price too steep.
Williams, 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, turns 32 on July 19. He hasn’t played a full season since 2013 and reportedly wants to be the highest paid left tackle in the league.
“Trent is excited to resume his Pro Bowl career with a team interested in a player of his stature,” Williams’ agent, Vincent Taylor, told The Athletic. “We really appreciate and respect (Redskins owner) Dan Snyder for the chance to seek another opportunity. This isn’t about a contract, but time for a change of scenery.”
Williams is under contract for $12.5 million in 2020. He will be an unrestricted free agent in March of 2021 without a new contract — assuming the NFL and players’ union has a new CBA by then. Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles is currently the highest paid left tackle at $18 million a year.