Potential Trade Alert: Cleveland Browns update on Trent Williams

Reports this week claim the Washington Redskins will seek a second-round pick for veteran left tackle Trent Williams. Is that too rich for the Cleveland Browns?

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports reported this week that the Washington Redskins will likely be after a second-round pick in exchange for the veteran left tackle Trent Williams. The Cleveland Browns have been linked to Williams since the trade deadline in 2019.

Williams camp leaked the six-time pro-bowler will be looking for a $20 million per year extension once landing with a new team. Williams was originally the number four pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and will likely be on the of the best available tackles available this off-season.

With having to give up a second-rounder and $20 million for a tackle that hasn’t played a full season since 2013, I can’t see the Browns wanting to risk that much. If Williams wasn’t such a health concern a deal with any team would be much more likely.

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It appears the new compensation number just starts at $20 million per year for all positions, it’s a tough pill to swallow especially when you see the top paid left tackle is currently making $15.5 million. However, Nate Solder of the New York Giants who has that salary locked up is currently playing below average football since leaving the New England Patriots.

Will the Redskins find a suitor for Williams? It seems unlikely at this big of an ask, but let’s not forget how important left tackle is in an offense.

It appears the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, New York Jets and Browns all have an interest. With a year off the field in 2019, Williams may be healthy and ready to roll. If that is the case, it could be a huge payout for a team willing to take the risk.

Browns fans don’t forget, any tackle available will be expensive. Jack Conklin will likely demand over $16 million per year and even the 38-year-old Jason Peters will demand $7-plus million per year, although for a shorter period.

If the Browns could squeeze this deal with a third-round pick or a fourth-rounder and a player, I would be supportive. Given how early our pick is in the second round, it feels like giving up too much for such a big risk.

Let’s hope Andrew Berry leans on new offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who has coached Williams the last four years in Washington. As a Browns fan, I would not hold my breath this deal gets done.