Cleveland Browns rumors: Use 2021 draft to trade for Trent Williams
An “underreported” nugget suggests that if the Cleveland Browns do trade for Trent Williams, they may do so with assets from the 2021 NFL draft.
As the eve of the 2020 NFL Draft, speculation only continues to increase surrounding the Cleveland Browns and Redskins left tackle Trent Williams.
Washington reportedly wants a second-round pick, according to TheLandonDemand’s Tony Grossi. However, if that seems too steep a price to pay for a over 30-year-old veteran who missed all of last season.
Grossi noted how the Redskins “Would be OK with that pick – or a combination of picks – coming in the 2021 draft.” He called this nugget an “nuance” that hadn’t been “widely reported.”
That certainly makes a potential deal a little easier to support, because giving up the No. 41 pick for Williams is too risky. Williams has one year and $12.5 million left on his current deal, and he’ll almost certainly want a new contract.
Grossi wrote that any draft day deal for Williams should be conditional. If Pro Bowler plays eight games for the Browns in 2020, the Redskins would get a third- and a fifth-round pick. If he were to play 12 games, games, then Washington would cough up the second, in addition to a fifth.
Williams continues intrigue the fan base, as the glaring need at offensive tackle is as big as ever. The Browns have been aggressive this offseason in addressing the offensive line, however, it just seems like signing Eagles’ 38-year-old veteran free agent Jason Peters would come with less risk.
Peters might not play at an elite level, but he should still be very good. Making this signing would afford the Browns options with the 10th pick. They could still take a tackle, or perhaps they find their play at No. 41.
Either way, the rookie doesn’t have to be rushed in, because it’s very hard for a first-year player to make a true, immediate impact.
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If the Browns do pull the trigger on Williams, the team will have one of the highest paid offensive lines in the NFL. Grossi estimated that the starting unit would earn a combined $50 million in 2020, which would put them only behind the Raiders ($57.1 million) and the Cowboys ($53.1 million.