Report: Cleveland Browns not willing to match price for Trent Williams

The Cleveland Browns have been heavily linked to Trent Williams, but they are reportedly not willing to match the asking price for the left tackle.

The Cleveland Browns have been exploring their options for a left tackle, which has heavily included Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams. However, the Browns are not willing to match the asking price for a potential Williams deal, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Fowler reports Washington wants a first-round pick for Williams, but the Browns are likely only currently willing to give up multiple mid-round selections.

It was long reported Washington was not going to trade Williams during the season and were willing to wait until the offseason to make a deal. However, the front office reportedly had a change of heart a day before the deadline and said they’d listen to offers for Williams.

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The Browns and general manager John Dorsey have reportedly been calling Washington for several weeks about Williams, but their interest was always rebuffed. But once Washington said they were willing to listen to offers, the Browns seemed destined to attempt to make a move for the tackle.

But even though the Browns feel they need to improve the tackle position and think Williams is the best option, it appears they are not willing to mortgage their future for the veteran. Giving up a first-round selection for a 31-year-old tackle who has a history of injuries would be dangerous.

However, if the Browns cannot land another tackle before the deadline, they may have to succumb to Washington’s asking price if they want to upgrade at left tackle. Washington has shown they are willing to be patient trading Williams, so it would likely be the Browns who would have to give up on their stance of not trading a first-round pick.

The Browns have already shown they are not satisfied with their offensive line, especially at left tackle. The decision to start Justin McCray at left tackle instead of Greg Robinson against the Patriots did not pay off, and now the Browns are out of in-house options to upgrade the position.

Cleveland and John Dorsey are likely going to make a move on Tuesday, especially on the offensive line. But unless Washington eases their demands for Williams or the Browns change their mind about the first-round pick, then Cleveland will have to look elsewhere to add a left tackle.