Cleveland Browns News & Rumors

Another day, another nugget on Redskins left tackle Trent Williams. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports (via Twitter) that the Redskins are refusing to trade the seven-time Pro Bowler this season. This somewhat echoes a report from earlier this week that indicated that the Redskins continue to “stonewall” inquiring teams.

However, Washington has reportedly told potential suitors that they would explore a trade this offseason. The rationale is that the front office will have clarity on other teams’ draft positions. With the team sitting at 1-5, the Redskins believe they have nothing to gain by trading Williams right now. Understanding where prospective draft-pick acquisitions fall will allow them to opt for the best possible offer.

However, despite the Redskins apparent assertion that they won’t be trading Williams, that hasn’t stopped the Browns from aggressively pursuing him. Garafolo notes that Browns general manager John Dorsey has inquired on Williams every week for the past month and a half. Dorsey previously said that “it takes two to tango” when discussing a Williams trade, indicating the Redskins aren’t especially interested in moving the lineman.

Williams, 31, has spent all nine years of NFL career in the nation’s capital. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Williams is under contract through next season. He’s due the remainder of a $10.85MM base salary in 2019 and $12.5MM in 2020.

Some Trent Williams buzz surfaced Tuesday, and he represents a potential solution for a team with a notable need at tackle. The Browns have been engaging with the Redskins in Williams talks for a while now, but Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets the Redskins are still standing firm.

A rumor circulated Tuesday about Williams being Cleveland-bound soon, but the Washington Post’s Les Carpenter notes (via Twitter) the Redskins insist that is not true. Washington has used a different primary left tackle for the first time in 10 years, doing so as Williams’ holdout surpassed the six-game mark.

The Browns viewed the Redskins’ asking price as too high, per Fowler, who adds Cleveland has been inquiring about the nine-year veteran blocker for “a while.” It is not known if the Redskins have dropped their asking price.

Redskins president Bruce Allen said last week the team has not engaged with any of the league’s other 31 franchises about Williams, though reports over the summer insisted Washington had discussed Williams with multiple teams. The 31-year-old tackle is a seven-time Pro Bowler who is signed through 2020. This should naturally generate interest, despite Williams’ recent injury history. Williams rumors should gain steam as the Oct. 29 trade deadline nears.

The Browns continue to start left tackle Greg Robinson, whom they cut just before the season and re-signed days later. Baker Mayfield has endured a notable sophomore slump and would stand to benefit from a tackle upgrade. Washington has been starting veteran Donald Penn in Williams’ place.