That’s too much for Cleveland! Trent Williams too pricey for Browns

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 26: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field at the end of the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 26, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Looking at the cap

Why should the Browns attempt to trade for Trent Williams?

When healthy he is a high-end performer. At age 31, Williams still has plenty of gas in the tank.

Remember Williams didn’t touch the field in 2019, which could be exactly the rest his body needs to endure a full NFL season. There is reason to believe Williams will be after vengeance in 2020, and a change of scenery could do him well.

Washington OT Trent Williams has been given permission to seek a trade through his agent Vincent Taylor, as @diannaESPN has reported. Here is video of Williams working out this week. pic.twitter.com/FwAeT5ELMO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2020

Remember, the Browns have cap space to make this move. With over $61 million available in 2020 and $109 million in 2021. With a new CBA and owners after an extended season, it would be reasonable to expect to see a bump in the salary cap to off-set.

The two biggest pieces that many aren’t talking about, Olivier Vernon and Odell Beckham Jr. Vernon can be cut this year with no dead money saving the team $15 million and Odell Beckham Jr. can be cut next year (or traded, I’m not crazy) with no dead money saving the team $15.75 million. The Vernon cut this year sounds like a no-brainer, and obviously he will need to be replaced, but likely at a lesser cost.

OBJ just gives you flexibility for 2022 off-season should he have another down year. Before you guys get all over me, I’m not saying he had a bad year in 2019, but if he would have another injury in 2020 or cause substantial drama, at least you can get out of the contract at little to no cost.

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