Trent Williams' agent: Redskins won't negotiate trade in good faith
Trent Williams' agent has called for the Washington Redskins to set his client free one way or another, insisting the team has refused to negotiate a trade in good faith.
"The relationship between the Redskins and Trent Williams has reached a point where it's in the best interest that the Redskins trade or release him," Vincent Taylor told ESPN's Adam Schefter in a statement.
Williams has wanted out of Washington since last summer. The seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle grew irate over the way the team handled a situation involving his health, and he also wanted a new contract.
"Despite its knowledge of irreconcilable differences, Washington was unable (or unwilling) to negotiate a trade of Williams," Taylor said. "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 a return for a trade."
Williams didn't play last season, holding out for several weeks before reporting in late October and heading straight to the non-football injury list. The Redskins were reportedly seeking a second-round pick in return as recently as March 14.
The issue for Trent Williams and the #Redskins has been, with him wanting top dollar for a LT contract, teams haven't been willing to offer WAS top dollar as far as draft compensation. Usually, contract & draft compensation are comparable. But not on this deal.
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2020
The Redskins had been trying to mend fences with Williams since firing Bruce Allen as president and hiring Ron Rivera as head coach in January. Rivera told reporters at the NFL combine in late February that the effort to restore the relationship with Williams was a "work in progress."
"Throughout the process, Williams has maintained his silence and not spoken negatively about the team nor has he pursued potential legal actions," Taylor said. "This seems to not be a successful strategy. Players who are outwardly critical of the team do get traded."
Taylor added that Williams "will always love and respect" Redskins owner Dan Snyder, but noted, "It's time for the organization to act in a manner that is in both Williams' and the team's best interest."
The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Houston Texans were rumored to be interested in acquiring Williams before the beginning of free agency. The Cleveland Browns tried to engage Washington in trade discussions last season but found the team - under Allen's leadership - to be defiant.
Williams was one of two Redskins reportedly seeking a trade this spring. The other - cornerback Quinton Dunbar - was dealt Monday to the Seattle Seahawks for a fifth-round draft pick.
The 31-year-old Williams has spent his entire career with the Redskins. He was drafted fourth overall in 2011.
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