Star left tackle Trent Williams wants out of Washington; the Buffalo Bills should come calling.
The Buffalo Bills have been no stranger to upgrading the offensive line in 2019. Their additions in free agency; Mitch Morse, Quinton Spain, Ty Nsekhe, and La’Adrian Waddle should prove to be fruitful for the team. Drafting Cody Ford, a highly touted prospect, could do the same. But, there’s another path to upgrading the line — the trade block.
It’s rare when a star left tackle seemingly finds himself on the trade block. Yet, that’s precisely the case with seven-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams and Washington. After skipping yesterday’s mandatory mini-camp due to a contract dispute (two-years, $24 million left without guaranteed money), something didn’t seem right between the team and his camp. The second day of the mini-camp confirmed that by way of CBS’ Jason La Canfora and Washington insider Erin Hawksworth.
Trent Williams issues with Skins are not financial at all according to numerous sources with knowledge of the situation. He's told teammates he has demanded a trade or his release from the club due to their handling of his recent medical situation. Has vowed not to play for them
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 5, 2019
Sources tell me Trent Williams asked for a trade or a new contract. #Redskins https://t.co/leY4GxNw08
— Erin Hawksworth (@ErinHawksworth) June 4, 2019
La Canfora says Williams wants to be released or traded from the team, but it’s not about the contract dispute. Their handling of his medical situation has been poor. Williams had knee surgery after the 2017 season and has since dealt with continuous issues from the procedure. For Washington, this isn’t unique.
In the past year alone, Washington’s medical history, specifically with knee injuries, has been awful. 2018 second-round pick RB Derrius Guice tore his ACL in the pre-season. The surgery initially went well, then led to an infection, per Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post, in turn leading to three more procedures.
QB Alex Smith suffered a gruesome leg break mid-way through 2018. The injury initially was considered to be career-ending. He then too caught an infection, leading to multiple more procedures on top of the multitude done before. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, tissue was removed to extract the infection.
A nine-year veteran and soon to be 31-year-old with prior knee injuries, Williams’ ask for departure is just. Though he’s sustained injuries through his career, he’s never missed more than six games a season and is among the best pass-protecting left tackles in the NFL. The former statement should pique the Bills’ interest.
The Bills have an upgraded offensive line that should aid Josh Allen‘s development. Incumbent starting left tackle Dion Dawkins has earned his spot as a mauling run blocker, but his pass protection has a ways to go. Cue Williams — a massive upgrade as a pass blocker and a seasoned leader.
Though the Bills appear to be committed to Dawkins, they are likely more inclined to do what’s best for Allen’s development. Inserting a noted blindside protector on the line is just that. For Dawkins, this could mean a potential move to his familiar right side or kick inside to guard — he’s a talented prospect that would benefit from developing behind veterans too. If Ford doesn’t work out at RT, the week-one starting line could look something like this:
- LT: Trent Williams
- LG: Quinton Spain
- C: Mitch Morse
- RG: Cody Ford
- RT: Ty Nsekhe/Dion Dawkins
The projected line above, no matter the starter at RT, should be able to give Allen and the running backs the blocking they need. There is an ideal blend of veteran talents and promising youngsters alike. However, there is a caveat — price.
To acquire Williams, the Bills may have to up his two-year, $24 million non-guaranteed contract. But, the team can easily fit that contract in their salary cap well and enter the season with $12 million left in available funds. As, per Over The Cap, Washington would have to eat some of his contract to trade him.
Williams is likely looking for a pay raise. Whether or not it’s in guaranteed money alone or more is unknown, but it won’t be cheap. The cost to trade for him may not be ideal. Washington probably won’t part ways with one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL for less than a high third-round pick, at minimum.
But the Bills can afford the high price, they are flush in cap space for the foreseeable future and have the trade assets in picks. They also have the need to make a trade. Brandon Beane’s second off-season has been about giving Josh Allen the talent that he needs, but there is still doubt about the offensive line. Trading for a perennial Pro Bowler would change that thought process.
No matter the risk around Williams’ age, price, or injuries, the thought of Allen passing behind a proven left tackle is hard to pass up. The Bills shouldn’t be the only team calling for Williams, but they should be one of the most motivated to make a trade happen.