Issues Between Trent Williams and Redskins More Complicated Than Initially Believed
Trent Williams sat out the entire 2019 season due to disagreements he had with the Washington Redskins front office and the team's medical staff over how a growth on his head was treated during the 2019 offseason. Williams claims the growth was downplayed by the Washington trainers, despite eventually being deemed cancerous.
Despite these obvious differences, the team has yet to trade him and he remains under contract in 2020.
The seven-time Pro Bowler wants nothing to do with the franchise even after new leadership was brought in and clearly wants out. ESPN's Dianna Russini revealed the relationship is even more complicated now with the new regime running the show for the Redskins.
Williams met with Ron Rivera for about 10-15 minutes a couple weeks ago, and afterwards there was not a feeling between the two that this was going to work.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
A 10-15 minute meeting with Ron Rivera apparently wasn't enough to salvage the relationship. Russini went on to explain that Williams was not pleased that the team met with free agents before speaking with him. Even if it was unintentional, it is a bad look. She also noted that the offensive tackle has no ill will towards owner Dan Snyder, and at this point just wants to play elsewhere.
Trent has always respected, liked owner Dan Snyder- there have never been issues. As a former captain, the 7x pro bowler really wants to be able to move on from Washington but still return one day and possibly be part of the ring of honor. He wants the relationship to be healthy
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
The best move for the Redskins is to trade Williams and just move on. He is showing no signs of wanting to salvage the relationship and the team isn't doing itself any favors by waiting.
I’m told Washington tried to negotiate, but believe they can’t just give a player like Trent away for small value in return. From what I learned, Wash believes they have been flexible and this is on Williams’ agency. The agency believes Wash has been inconsistent in their ask.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 25, 2020
Fans knew the relationship was bad. The fact both sides are in disagreement about who is at fault after all this time shows irreconcilable differences, despite an entire year going by since the original conflict.