Trent Williams may emerge as ‘nuclear option’ for Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have long been connected to Trent Williams, but he may be the organization’s last resort to address their biggest need.

The biggest question for the Cleveland Browns roster this offseason is who will be playing left tackle in 2020? The expectation is the position will be addressed during the 2020 NFL Draft, but the Browns have also been connected with Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams.

With the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Browns were well-positioned to land one of the top-four tackles in the draft: Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, Andrew Thomas, and Mekhi Becton. However, that list may have been shortened with the reports of Becton’s flagged drug test at the Combine.

There have been several questions about Becton during the draft process because he is viewed as the least-polished among the top tackles. Although he has the highest ceiling among the tackles, he is the least day-one ready tackle among the top four. Now with his flagged drug test, Becton’s value may have shrunk and he may not be in consideration in the top-10 picks.

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If that is the case for the Browns and they are only considering Thomas, Wills, and Wirfs with the No. 10 pick, they may not land one of those top tackle by standing pat. If all three tackles are gone by the time the Browns are on the clock, Cleveland could decide to trade down to recoup some mid-round picks, while still trying to land the offensive tackle prospect they have recently been heavily connected to: Ezra Cleveland.

Over the past week, there has been a lot of smoke connecting the Browns to the Boise State offensive tackle. Last week, Peter King reported he heard from a NFL source watching the Browns that the Browns love Cleveland and they may attempt to draft him in the second round.

However, if the Browns decide to wait until the No. 41 pick to draft Cleveland, they could be left with a team selecting Cleveland before the Browns could land their perceived “favorite.” If that is the case, then the Browns would be left with few options considering their top tackles would be off the board.

If that is the case, the Browns could become more serious in the Trent Williams market. Although the Browns have been connected to Williams, no deal has been considered imminent or close to happening. However, if the Browns miss out on their top offensive tackle prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, making a move for Williams may be Cleveland’s last resort to address the left tackle position.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported Tuesday morning Williams is “still on the table” for the Browns. By keeping in touch with Washington, the Browns are leaving all of their options open depending on what happens throughout the 2020 Draft.

Trading for Williams would be a risk considering he has not played since 2018, and has not played a full season since 2013. But it would also be a risk because he would want a new deal that would likely come in at $17 million per year or more. Since Williams will be 32-years-old by the start of the season, a multi-year contract at the cost would be dangerous for the Browns, despite Williams’ history of being a top tackle.

However, despite the cost of a Williams trade, including draft assets and a new deal, it could become their best option depending on how the draft plays out. If the Browns miss out on the top offensive tackles and Ezra Cleveland, making a big move for Williams could become the Cleveland Browns only option to address their need at left tackle.