What in the world is happening with the Trent Williams situation? There seems to be a lot of confusion as so many conflicting reports really don't paint any picture and it seems to fans that no one knows what is happening.
Earlier in the offseason, a report came out saying that Williams did not trust the organization and the team's medical staff after a bump he found on his head that the medical staff said not to worry about, but turned out to be a tumor. Then when it came to training camp and Williams was a no show, another report came out that he was having a contractual dispute and was holding out to get more money. Later, another report came out that the relationship between Williams and the front office was fractured, which was then disputed as false by a team official. This week, another report came out saying that Williams wanted to be traded and the team was actively shopping him, but then another report came out refuting those rumors with a Redskins official saying that it was the first he heard of it and that they were not shopping him and another official saying Williams wants to work out a contract and come back. And finally, there is a report that says that Williams is prepared to sit out the season according to friends. So really, what is going on?
Williams has been a star offensive lineman for the Redskins since 2010 as he has been with the team since he was drafted fourth overall in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft and immediately signed a six-year, $60 million contract. He has been considered one of the best offensive linemen/players in the NFL over the last few seasons including making seven Pro Bowl appearances. However, the last couple of seasons Williams has endured injuries and also was suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. So he has missed some substantial amount of games for the team. He is also 31 and not getting any younger.
If the Redskins were to theoretically trade him, they could dump $2 million in dead salary cap and save $15 million. So there is some good reason to trade him, but on the flip side he is a leader on the offense, a stabilizing force on the offensive line, is one of the top talents in the league, and does everything he can to help the team. With that in mind, it might be wise for the team to listen to what Williams wants to give him a contract that satisfies everything he wants. If letting him retire as a Redskin is what it takes with a good amount of money, then so be it because he is a franchise player and could be a legend. He's always wanted to help the team win, he should be rewarded. Though it's not that easy.
So with all that in mind, what is actually happening? Honestly, it's hard to actually know as there seems to be so many conflicting reports. A lot of fans have trust issues with the Redskins front office says or does, but this doesn't seem like it. What is not a doubt is the two sides are having disagreements and Williams is not at Training Camp, but what it's about is the question. Williams has not come out and spoken about the situation and the team has spoken very little about it, so all we know is just from hearing things from reports. Things should come to light hopefully soon with Preseason about to begin, but hopefully the two sides can come to some sort of agreement.
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