The Trent Williams saga has taken another turn. Earlier today, Williams told Les Carpenter of the Washington Post that the growth on his head had turned out to be a cancerous tumor, and blamed the Redskins for not recognizing the seriousness of the issue sooner. Now, Washington has issued a press release indicating it wants a third-party review of Williams’ medical records, ostensibly to remove any blame placed on the Redskins.

“The Washington Redskins have requested that the NFL’s Management Council convene a joint committee with the NFLPA to review the medical records and the medical are given to Trent Williams. We have requested this review under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement that provides for an independent third-party review of any NFL player’s medical care. The Redskins continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our players and staff.”

Williams first noticed the growth in 2013, but he says Redskins doctors told him the issue was not severe. However, he’s since been diagnosed with Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP), a “soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the deep layers of the skin.” This offseason, the Redskins sent Williams to a hospital where the condition was finally recognized, and he had an operation during the winter to remove the growth.

The most pressing issue here is clearly Williams’ long-term health, but it’s difficult to avoid how Williams’ latest revelation — and the Redskins’ response — will further fracture the relationship between team and player. Washington failed to trade Williams before Tuesday’s deadline, and the veteran offensive tackle subsequently reported to the club. However, he failed his physical after his helmet gave him discomfort. If the Redskins can’t find Williams a helmet in the next two weeks, he’s likely to be placed on the non-football injury list, ending his season.

The Redskins ultimately held on to offensive tackle Trent Williams at the trade deadline, but the club is hoping to deal the veteran lineman this offseason, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Washington reportedly received a second-round offer from the Browns, but weren’t interested in moving Williams at that price. Instead, the team will carry Williams on its roster and attempt to trade him next February or March. At that point, Williams would have one year and $12.5MM in salary remaining on his contract.

The saga doesn’t simply end there, however. Williams failed his physical today after experiencing discomfort while putting on his helmet, and if the Redskins aren’t able to find a suitable helmet over the next few weeks, they will likely place Williams on the non-football injury list, ending his 2019 campaign before it begins, per Rapoport (Twitter link).

Williams, of course, underwent scalp surgery in April and had a benign growth removed. Even if Williams is placed on the NFI list, his contract will not toll, per RapSheet, although the Redskins could certainly be up for a legal challenge.

Trent Williams has reported to the Redskins, according to former teammate DeAngelo Hall (on Twitter). However, this doesn’t mean that everything is a-OK in D.C. 

The Redskins refused to part with Williams before the trade deadline, unless they were presented with a Godfather offer. That offer never came, and Williams appears to be stuck with a franchise that he can no longer stand. At least, for the time being.

Williams’ arrival doesn’t mean that he’ll take the field – the tackle might not be ready to play and, in any case, might not be willing to suit up for the Redskins. But, by showing up for work, Williams has ensured that his contract will not toll. He’ll earn $5.8MM in base salary the rest of the way, plus ~$15K for each game he’s active. After that, he’ll have one year left on his contract, worth $12.5MM.

Williams, a seven-time Pro Bowler, has missed 13 games over the last three seasons due to various injuries. Still, he stands as one of the better left tackles in a league that doesn’t have a whole lot of great tackles. Williams graded out as the league’s best overall tackle in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus, and still managed to place No. 21 in a down 2018.

Redskins tackle Trent Williams is tentatively planning to return to the team before Week 10, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport hears (on Twitter). Still, that doesn’t mean Williams will play.

The Week 10 mark is significant, because Williams must show up for work by then in order to gain an accrued season. But, even if he walks through the doors in D.C., he won’t necessarily walk straight on to the field. Williams still has to heal up and, given the recent ugliness, it seems unlikely that he’ll play for the Redskins if he’s less than 100%.

The trade deadline is on Tuesday, so the clock is ticking for the Redskins and Williams and the many teams that could use a protector of his caliber. Both publicly and privately, the team has said that Williams isn’t going anywhere. Rapoport’s understanding is that Williams will indeed be staying put, unless someone comes up with a Godfather offer.

The Browns want Williams, but they were turned down, just like the Patriots and others that have inquired on him. For now, Williams the seven-time Pro Bowler is under contract through next season with base salaries of $10.85MM for this year and $12.5MM in 2020.