The agent for Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams claims the organization has not acted in good faith regarding his client, demanding once again that he be traded or released.
In a statement to ESPN, Vince Taylor said the relationship had reached a point where the team should trade or release Williams, a seven-time Pro Bowl tackle.
Taylor said, "Despite its knowledge of the irreconcilable differences, Washington was unable (or unwilling) to negotiate a trade of Williams. The team then gave Williams and his representatives the right to seek trading partners. Williams' representatives provided the team with trading options, but the Redskins have shown no interest in negotiating in good faith, and, in fact, have given inconsistent demands on what it wants in return for a trade."
Redskins coach Ron Rivera spoke with Williams over the phone earlier this offseason and the two met in person one time for five minutes. Washington gave permission for Williams to seek a trade on March 5. But, a source said, the Redskins have made it clear they won't give Williams away. They would like to get a second-round pick in return, but also have hinted that they'd be flexible with the compensation. They have also placed more of the burden on Williams to strike a deal with a team before they can proceed. The Redskins have talked to teams about Williams.
A little-known rule would hinder the Redskins' ability to get a high compensatory pick for Williams. According to the collective bargaining agreement, if a player with 10th accrued season leaves via free agency, the most his former team can receive is a fifth-round compensatory pick. The Redskins, though, hope a deal could be struck even if Williams doesn't agree to a long-term contract extension. In that scenario, another team could apply the franchise tag in both 2021 and '22. Therefore, they hope that increases his value.
Williams held out last season, upset over what he said was inadequate medical treatment involving a cancerous growth on his scalp. He asked to be released or traded last June and was upset that the team didn't aggressively shop him. Multiple sources with the Redskins said at the time -- and still maintain -- that it was all about wanting a new contract. Regardless, Williams reported moments before the trade deadline on Oct. 29. It allowed him to get credit for a season played, even though the Redskins flunked his physical and eventually placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, a player in his third season or less won't get credit for an accrued year if he fails to report on time to training camp or leaves the team for more than five days without permission. But that rule doesn't apply to Williams, who is a 10-year veteran. In his case he would be only subject to a $50,000 fine for every day he misses.
The Redskins traded corner Quinton Dunbar on Monday, receiving a fifth-round pick from Seattle. He, too, was seeking a new deal. Dunbar was more vocal on social media about his displeasure. Williams, who turns 32 in July, has not said anything this offseason regarding his status.
In the statement, Taylor said, "Throughout the process, Williams has maintained his silence and not spoken negatively about the team nor has he pursued potential legal actions. This seems to not be a successful strategy. Players who are outwardly critical of the team do get traded."
There was some hope the relationship with Williams could be repaired after this season. In an 18-minute interview with reporters after returning, Williams let it be known he no longer trusted Bruce Allen, but the Redskins fired Allen after the season. They also got rid of head athletic trainer Larry Hess.
Taylor said, "Although Trent Williams will always love and respect Dan Snyder, his teammates, and the Washington Redskins' fans, he wants to be traded or released. It's time for the organization to act in a manner that is in both Williams' and the team's best interest."