Washington Redskins star left tackle Trent Williams has reportedly requested a trade or his release and these five teams would make sense for a deal.
Back in 2015, the Washington Redskins made Trent Williams the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL. That mark, however, has since been eclipsed while Williams has maintained his spot at one of the best at his position in the league. Given that and with two years left on his current deal, Williams wants a new contract and, without one, did not report to the team’s mandatory minicamp.
While there have been some reports that Williams’ issues are all business related, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the offensive tackle has requested either his release or a trade. His release is no doubt something that’s in the cards but, if a team wants to ensure they land his services, a trade may be the better option.
And really, Williams should be a highly sought after commodity. The fourth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft has been a stalwart at the position. In fact, Pro Football Focus has graded him as the third-best left tackle in the NFL over the past three seasons. Simply put, he’s a game-changer on the edge of the offensive line.
There is also no shortage of teams that need offensive line help but the need is greater for some than others, for one reason or another. With that, let’s take a look at five possible trade partners for the Washington Redskins in trying to deal Trent Williams.
5. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have undoubtedly been in the news recently for a big-time acquisition as they were the ones to sign Gerald McCoy after he was released by Tampa Bay. McCoy will no doubt offer the defense a big boost but the Panthers could arguably use an upgrade on their offensive line more than they could McCoy.
As of right now, Taylor Moton is slated to start at left tackle for 2019 opposite of Daryl Williams. Given Moton’s general inexperience — especially on the left side — and Daryl Williams’ injury concerns, trading for Trent Williams would make sense. He would allow Moton to move inside to guard and be a backup on the edge while Greg Little, Carolina’s 2019 second-rounder, can develop for a year or two.