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

By Greg Newland

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Ryan Kerrigan #91 in the final moments of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Ryan Kerrigan #91 in the final moments of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Odell Beckham
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 29: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns makes a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Looking long-term

Why shouldn’t the Browns trade for Trent Williams? The first reason being the most obvious, the Redskins may ask for way too much in a trade for the pro-bowler. If the asking price includes a first-rounder or even a second, I think it is an easy walk-away situation. It seems unlikely anyone will pay that much for Williams, at that salary you are better off waiting until he is a free agent in 2020 to see if he deserves the big contract.

The second concern with Williams is, will he be healthy? Williams hasn’t played a full season since 2013 and has only played more than 12 games in two of the last five years after not playing a single snap in 2019. Let’s be clear, 2019 was more of a hold-out than an injury, but not being on the field must be a major concern going forward.

We also can’t forget that Williams has been a bit of a diva the last year and a half with Washington. The frustration is understandable if the medical staff did mislead Williams on something that ended up being cancerous. But Williams clearly blew the physical last year, so Washington had to pay him while putting him on injured reserved. Does Cleveland need any more personalities on the offensive side of the ball?

Now let’s get to the elephant in the room, $20 million per year. That’s crazy when you think about the top tackle in the NFL is only going to make $16 million in 2019. Do you really want to shell out that type of money if you aren’t completely sold on a guy?

Williams may find a suiter as it appears the New York Jets have also shown interest, but it is hard for me to believe a team is willing to risk $20 million per year. Not that left tackle isn’t worth that money, just not a 31-year-old left tackle with injury concerns.

Next. Biggest Cleveland draft-busts since 1999. dark

Also – don’t forget the Browns have other options available. Jack Conklin of the Tennessee Titans, a younger player with some risk, but a lot more life in the tank and likely less money. A strong draft class of tackles, four candidates that could go top 15. Also, the wild-card Jason Peters from the Philadelphia Eagles who may just have one more solid season left at a discounted rate.

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