Since entering the NFL, Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams has been one of the premier offensive linemen in football.
Williams has earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections as the anchor of Washington’s offensive line. He also earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2015 for his efforts on the field. Not only has Williams been a dominant force, but he has also assumed a leadership role as one of the Redskins’ captains since 2011.
Williams has survived a handful of regime changes in Washington. Given his production on the field and importance off of it, it always seemed like a given that the Oklahoma product would be a Redskin for the duration of his career. Now, it’s unlikely he will be with the organization much longer.
Earlier this year, Williams had a growth removed from his head. Somewhere along the line, Williams became unhappy with the team’s handling of his medical situation and now, according to multiple reports, he wants out of Washington.
With Williams unhappy in D.C., there’s a chance he will be dealt this summer. There will likely be a ripe market for the 30-year-old tackle and the Jets should be one of the teams vying for his services.
If newly-hired general manager Joe Douglas wants to make a splash right off the bat, this is the way to do it. New York is trending upward and already made one addition to its offensive line this offseason by trading for Kelechi Osemele. Williams would be an upgrade over incumbent left tackle Kelvin Beachum and would provide Sam Darnold with an elite blindside protector to keep him off his back.
Beachum only has one year left on his contract, so the Jets could move on from him without having to worry about massive salary cap ramifications. The assumption is that 2019 third-round pick Chuma Edoga will take over for Beachum next season, but New York should not pass on the opportunity to land one of the best left tackles in the game because of Edoga’s presence. Keep in mind, Douglas didn’t draft Edoga.
The Jets won’t have to worry about Williams costing a fortune, either. He is under contract for two more years and has $24 million coming his way. Considering what Williams brings to the field, that could be considered a team-friendly deal. Williams is also not holding out of mandatory OTAs because he wants a new contract, so the Jets would not have to worry about re-upping him.
If the goal is to win in 2019, these are the kinds of moves Douglas has to pursue. New York’s offense is primed to take it to the next level in 2019 and a player like Williams could help Adam Gase’s offense run to perfection up front. Assuming Williams remains steadfast in his desire to be traded, the Jets should do everything in their power to bring him to the Big Apple.
