Latest On Redskins OL Trent Williams
The Redskins’ asking price for offensive lineman Trent Williams is “starting” at a second-rounder, reports ESPN’s Josina Anderson (via Twitter).
However, the front office’s demands shouldn’t necessarily be blamed for a lack of a trade; rather, as Anderson points out, “a trade has been slowed” by Williams’ contractual demands. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport echoes those sentiments (Twitter link), noting that the “asking price on a new contract is more of an issue now than Washington’s ask on trade compensation.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean a team will simply hand over a second-round pick. Rapoport notes that teams still aren’t willing to meet the Redskins’ asking price. However, the reporter believes a potential suitor would be more flexible if the offensive lineman were to agree to a reasonable new deal.
We learned earlier this month that the organization was giving their perennial Pro Bowl left tackle permission to seek a trade. At the same time, Williams is seeking a new contract, and he wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid tackle. Williams is set to make $12.5MM in the final year of his current deal. The Browns and Jets have been mentioned as suitors for the veteran lineman.
The seven-time Pro Bowler missed 13 games from 2016-18 and became embroiled with previous Washington president Bruce Allen because of a health scare in 2019. The 31-year-old ended up sitting out the entire 2019 season.
Browns Pursued Williams Often In 2019
The Browns are once again in on a Trent Williams pursuit, but they were persistent in their efforts to acquire the Pro Bowl tackle last year. Previous GM John Dorsey called the Redskins every week about their disgruntled left tackle, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. However, the then-Bruce Allen-led front office gave Dorsey a flat no each time, per Breer. Even Baker Mayfield, like Williams an Oklahoma alum, communicated with Williams about a trade, Breer adds. Dorsey was believed to have offered a second-round pick to Washington for Williams, who ended up skipping all of last season, but the Redskins were holding out for a first. Daniel Snyder fired Allen at season’s end. Now, the Ron Rivera-run Washington front office appears willing to accept compensation less than a first-rounder for Williams. The Browns will not bring back Greg Robinson, and right tackle Chris Hubbard may be a cap-casualty candidate.
NFL Announces Compensatory Picks For 2020 Draft
The NFL has awarded compensatory draft picks for teams in the 2020 draft.
These picks are awarded to the teams that suffered the most significant free agent losses during the 2019 offseason. This year, the Patriots top the list (shared below) with a league-high four picks.
The comp pick formula assigns picks who suffered the largest net losses, so teams that signed multiple free agents have a lesser chance of receiving picks. The Ravens collected two this year and remain in the all-time lead (from 1994-2020) with 52. No other franchise has accumulated more than 43 compensatory picks.
Here’s the full breakdown, by round and by team:
By Round:
Round 3: Texans (No. 97 overall), Patriots (98), Giants (99), Patriots (100), Seahawks (101), Steelers (102), Eagles (103), Rams (104), Vikings (105), Ravens (106)
Round 4: Buccaneers (No. 139), Bears (140), Dolphins (141), Redskins (142), Ravens (143), Seahawks (144), Eagles (145), Eagles (146)
Round 5: Broncos (No. 178), Cowboys (179)
Round 6: Patriots (No. 212), Patriots (213), Seahawks (214)
Round 7: Giants (No. 247), Texans (248), Vikings (249), Texans (250), Dolphins (251), Broncos (252), Vikings (253), Broncos (254), Giants (255)
By Team:
- New England Patriots (4)
- Denver Broncos (3)
- Houston Texans (3)
- Minnesota Vikings (3)
- New York Giants (3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (3)
- Baltimore Ravens (2)
- Miami Dolphins (2)
- Chicago Bears (1)
- Dallas Cowboys (1)
- Los Angeles Rams (1)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)
- Washington Redskins (1)
The compensatory free agents lost and gained in 2019 by the clubs that will receive compensatory picks in the 2020 draft:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Lost: John Brown, C.J. Mosley, Za’Darius Smith, Terrell Suggs
- Gained: Mark Ingram, Earl Thomas
- Chicago Bears
- Lost: Adrian Amos, Josh Bellamy, Bryce Callahan, Eric Kush
- Gained: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Cordarrelle Patterson, Buster Skrine
- Dallas Cowboys
- Lost: Cole Beasley, Geoff Swaim, Damien Wilson
- Gained: Randall Cobb, Christian Covington
- Denver Broncos
- Lost: Shaquil Barrett, Tramaine Brock, Max Garcia, Matt Paradis, Bradley Roby, Billy Turner
- Gained: Bryce Callahan, Kareem Jackson, Ja’Wuan James
- Houston Texans
- Lost: Christian Covington, Kareem Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Tyrann Mathieu
- Gained: Bradley Roby
- Los Angeles Rams
- Lost: Lamarcus Joyner, Rodger Saffold
- Gained: Clay Matthews
- Miami Dolphins
- Lost: Brandon Bolden, Frank Gore, Ja’Wuan James, Cameron Wake
- Gained: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Eric Rowe
- Minnesota Vikings
- Lost: Tom Compton, Nick Easton, Sheldon Richardson, Trevor Siemian
- Gained: Shamar Stephen
- New England Patriots
- Lost: Malcom Brown, Trent Brown, Trey Flowers, Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle Patterson, Eric Rowe, LaAdrian Waddle
- Gained: Brandon Bolden
- New York Giants
- Lost: Jamon Brown, Landon Collins, Mario Edwards, Josh Mauro, B.W. Webb, Kerry Wynn
- Gained: Markus Golden, Golden Tate
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Lost: Nick Foles, Jordan Hicks, Golden Tate
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Lost: Le’Veon Bell, Jesse James
- Gained: Steven Nelson
- Seattle Seahawks
- Lost: Justin Coleman, Brett Hundley, Shamar Stephen, J.R. Sweezy, Earl Thomas
- Gained: Mike Iupati, Jason Myers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Washington Redskins
Redskins Want Ereck Flowers Back
Ereck Flowers has had a bumpy journey in the pros, but it looks like he might’ve found a permanent home. The Redskins want to bring back the impending free agent, new head coach Ron Rivera told Larry Michael on Redskins Nation, via JP Finlay of NBC Sports.
We heard recently that the ‘Skins were planning on franchise-tagging right guard Brandon Scherff, and Rivera confirmed that he wants both of the guards back. The Giants drafted Flowers ninth overall back in 2015, and it wasn’t long before he was labeled a bust. After starting at least 15 games in each of his first three seasons with very poor results at both tackle positions, Flowers was released midway through his fourth.
He latched on with the Jaguars and started seven games with them in 2018, again struggling mightily. Then he signed a one-year deal with Washington last offseason, and the team moved him to guard during training camp. He thrived in the new position, and started all 16 games.
As for what it will take to re-sign Flowers, Finlay writes that it will probably be more than double the $3.25MM he earned last season. Rivera seemed to be pretty confident about a deal getting worked out and the state of his offensive line, saying “once we get that situation figured out, we will have four of the five (starters) that we know what’s going to happen” with. The one question mark in that scenario, of course, would be left tackle Trent Williams, who was recently given permission to pursue a trade.
Redskins Motivated To Trade Trent Williams
The Jets are in the mix for Trent Williams and are willing to negotiate a new deal with the Redskins’ disgruntled tackle, were they to pull the trigger on a trade, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. Thus far in the latest round of Williams trade rumors, the Jets and Browns have expressed interest. And the Redskins may well be willing to reduce their asking price. Washington is serious about unloading Williams this time, per Vacchiano, who adds that several around the league believe the franchise will not ask for a first-round pick this time around. The Redskins asked for a first-rounder last year, and Williams predictably remained with the team after the deadline. Both the Browns and Jets hold a second-round pick and two thirds this year.
Multiple Teams Inquire On Trent Williams
- The Jets are going to have some competition for Trent Williams. Earlier today we heard New York was targeting the left tackle after the Redskins said they would allow him to seek a trade, and they aren’t the only ones. Multiple teams have inquired about Williams since the news broke, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link). It’s unclear which teams, although the Browns are apparently thinking about making another run at him. Whoever trades for Williams better be prepared to pay up, as he’s reportedly looking to become the league’s highest-paid tackle on a new contract.
Jets Pursuing Redskins LT Trent Williams
Both the Browns and Jets are now in pursuit of Trent Williams. A day after Cleveland’s interest surfaced, The Athletic’s Connor Hughes reports (via Twitter) New York is in the mix for Washington’s left tackle.
The Jets have needs across their offensive line and are expected to address them in free agency and the draft. With the Redskins allowing Williams to seek a trade, another avenue is now open to tackle-needy teams.
Washington’s previous front office, headed by since-ousted exec Bruce Allen, sought a first-round pick for Williams at last year’s trade deadline. With the perennial Pro Bowler set to turn 32 after missing the 2019 season in part because of a health scare, and having not played 16 games in a season since 2013, a first-rounder seems unlikely for the now-Ron Rivera-run Redskins. But multiple teams being in the mix will boost Washington’s chances of extracting a reasonable haul for its long-disgruntled left tackle.
New York has used Kelvin Beachum at left tackle for the past three seasons. An acquisition of since-fired Jets GM Mike Maccagnan, Beachum is now a free agent. The Jets are interested in Titans right tackle Jack Conklin, but may or may not be the favorites to pay the steep price to land him. A Conklin-Williams setup would represent a considerable improvement from recent Jets tackle configurations but would obviously be difficult to pull off.
Williams is due a non-guaranteed $12.5MM in 2020, and the contract-year blocker wants to become the league’s highest-paid tackle. That will be a tough sell, with Lane Johnson signing an $18MM-AAV deal last year. But teams in need at this key position are putting in calls on Williams, so he stands to have a better chance of securing a new contract soon.
Browns Will Consider Trent Williams, Jason Peters
The Browns are in need of help at left tackle, and the club will keep its eye on two veteran options as the trade and free agent markets come into focus over the next two weeks. Cleveland will “consider” both Redskins offensive lineman Trent Williams and pending free agent Jason Peters as it aims to solidify Baker Mayfield‘s blindside.
Williams, who was earlier today granted permission to seek a trade by Washington, was a target of ex-Browns general manager John Dorsey in 2019. Cleveland was arguably Williams’ most serious suitor ahead of last year’s trade deadline, but the Redskins held firm on their asking price of a first-round pick.
The Browns declined to meet that ask, but they might have another shot at landing Williams, especially now that Washington’s personnel decisions are being made by head coach Ron Rivera and VP of player personnel Kyle Smith (at least, until after the draft). Williams, who has one year and $12.5MM in base salary remaining on his contract, wants to become the highest-paid tackle in the NFL, meaning he’ll need an extension upon being traded.
A cancer scare and a resulting spat with Redskins management sidelined Williams for the entirety of the 2019 campaign, and other health question marks have caused Williams to miss at least one game in every season since 2013. But the 31-year-old has been excellent when on the field, earning Pro Bowl nods in every season from 2012-18.
Peters, meanwhile, will test free agency instead of re-signing with the Eagles in advance of the market’s opening. Although he’s now 38 years old, Peters remains a high-quality left tackle. Pro Football Focus graded the nine-time Pro Bowler as the league’s sixth-best tackle among 81 qualifiers in 2019.
Cleveland is in dire straits at left tackle after Greg Robinson, who played the majority of the Browns’ snaps on the left side last season, was arrested on a felony marijuana charge last month. Justin McCray, who also saw time on the blindside, hasn’t proven to be anything more than a replacement level player on more than 1,300 career snaps.
Redskins Give Trent Williams Permission To Seek Trade
A Trent Williams resolution could finally be in the works. The Redskins are giving their perennial Pro Bowl left tackle permission to seek a trade, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
The team approved the request Thursday. Williams has not played since the 2018 season, sitting out in 2019 due to a conflict with Redskins management. Although Ron Rivera‘s hiring has prompted a thaw in Williams’ relationship with the franchise, the sides appear headed for a divorce.
As was the case last year, no guaranteed money remains on Williams’ deal. His 2015 extension made him the league’s highest-paid offensive lineman, but the tackle market has changed somewhat since then. Williams, however, has not been as reliable as he once was. The seven-time Pro Bowler missed 13 games from 2016-18 and became embroiled with previous Washington president Bruce Allen because of a health scare in 2019. However, proven offensive linemen receive hefty payments annually. And Williams made the Pro Bowl every year from 2012-18.
Entering his age-32 season, Williams wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid tackle. That would now mean a deal north of Lane Johnson‘s $18MM-per-year pact. Williams is set to make $12.5MM in the final year of his current deal.
Teams were involved in the Williams sweepstakes last year, but Allen did not pull the trigger on a trade. The now-Rivera-led Redskins will be in position to obtain draft compensation, although Williams’ stock is probably not on the level it once was. That said, tackle-needy teams — like the Jets or Browns — may be interested. Cleveland was in the mix last year, but no team evidently was willing to meet Washington’s asking price of a first-round pick.
It will be interesting what price the new-look Redskins front office sets for their disgruntled franchise left tackle. The upcoming draft features an unusually high number of early-first-round tackle prospects, potentially diminishing Williams’ value further. The veteran market will now include Jason Peters, but both Anthony Castonzo and Andrew Whitworth are tentatively expected to return to their respective teams.
Williams will now play a key role in the offensive line market, and his lengthy impasse with the Redskins may finally end soon. Once it does, Washington will become one of the teams in need of a left tackle.
Redskins Offered Steve Wilks Staff Role
After six years with the Panthers, Steve Wilks went through one-year stints with the Cardinals and Browns the past two seasons. The Browns made him a finalist for their 2020 defensive coordinator job but opted not to retain him for a second season, going with Joe Woods instead.
Wilks does not intend to coach this year, Joe Person of The Athletic notes (subscription required), but he had at least one opportunity with a former coworker and perhaps two.
Ron Rivera offered Wilks the Redskins’ assistant HC/secondary job, Person adds, also noting Wilks met with Dave Gettleman about a Giants role. Gettleman and Wilks worked together for five years in Carolina. Washington then went with Chris Harris, who spent the past four seasons as the Chargers’ assistant DBs coach, to lead its secondary.
Wilks, 50, has coached in the NFL for 14 straight seasons. He joined Rivera’s Panthers staff in 2012 and finished that tenure as Carolina’s defensive coordinator in 2017. Wilks was a college assistant from 1995-2005. But the former head coach will wait until the 2021 hiring period to get back in the game. The Cardinals are still paying Wilks, having signed him to a four-year deal in 2018 before firing him after that season.