Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams will not report to training camp in Richmond on Wednesday over disputes related to his contract and how the team handled a benign tumor on his scalp earlier in the offseason.
The news that Williams, regarded by many as the team’s best player, will sit out, even temporarily, immediately becomes the biggest story surrounding the Redskins going into training camp. Players report to camp Wednesday for an initial conditioning session. The first full day of camp follows on Thursday.
Williams’ holdout, first reported on the NFL Network, doesn’t come as a huge surprise.
The seven-time Pro Bowler skipped mandatory minicamp in June amid reports he was unhappy with the Redskins medical staff and how team doctors handed his diagnosis and treatment.
Williams required surgery to remove the tumor and the Redskins planned to be cautious with his recovery, even if the 31-year-old had reported to practice.
It is not known how long Williams plans to hold out. If he misses all of camp, according to salary cap expert J.I. Halsell, the Redskins can fine Williams up to a maximum 25% of his allocated signing bonus ($1.7 million for 2019) under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Williams has two years left on his contract. He’s set to make $11 million in 2019 and $12.5 million in 2020.
In 2015, Williams became the league’s highest-paid tackle by signing a five-year, $66 million contract — but since then, a number of offensive linemen have signed bigger deals.
Last month, coach Jay Gruden acknowledged Williams was frustrated over his medical situation.
“I think where the frustration might lie is the timing of the diagnosis,” Gruden said. “Maybe he wishes it was diagnosed a little sooner, from my understanding. But other than that, I think our doctors and medical staff have done a good job.”
Without Williams, the Redskins have a vast hole at left tackle. They signed former first-round tackle Ereck Flowers this offseason, but with the intention to play guard after he struggled mightily in New York. Washington also has Geron Christian, though the 2018 third-rounder is coming off a torn MCL.
Gruden had said he hoped Williams would return for training camp, but at least at the start of it, that doesn’t appear likely.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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