Last year, the Cleveland Browns were often linked as suitors for Trent Williams — to the point that their former general manager publicly acknowledged they had tried to trade for the Redskins’ left tackle.
It appears they’re still interested.
Despite the Browns overhauling their front office this offseason, Cleveland remains “on the table” as a possible landing spot for Williams, according to ESPN. The network’s latest report comes a day after NBC’s Peter King noted the Redskins are likely to trade their seven-time Pro Bowler during this week’s draft.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson tweeted the Browns are monitoring the situation, but “nothing is imminent or super close right now.”
The Browns have struggled to find a solution at left tackle since future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas retired in 2018. Last year’s starter, Greg Robinson, is a free agent and was arrested in February for having 157 pounds of marijuana in his possession.
Even before Robinson’s legal troubles, Cleveland was in search for an upgrade at the position.
In October, former Browns general manager John Dorsey said it “takes two to tango” regarding a Williams trade — implying the Redskins weren’t willing to deal the 31-year-old.
Williams did not play for the Redskins last season over a dispute with the medical staff over the handling of a cancerous growth on his scalp and concerns about his contract. The Pro Bowler held out until October and returned just before the trade deadline, but the Redskins failed his physical and put him on a season-ending non-football injury list a week later.
For months last year, the Redskins were resistant to even listen to offers for Williams, though they eventually switched gears in the days leading up to the deadline.
The Redskins did not trade Williams and the situation has carried into the offseason. Last month, Washington gave Williams and his agent permission to seek a trade after conversations with new coach Ron Rivera indicated the relationship wasn’t salvageable.
Williams’ camp became frustrated a deal had yet to be worked out, with Williams’ agent blasting the team for its “outrageous” asking price.
The Redskins are reportedly seeking a second-round pick for Williams, or the equivalent to a second-rounder — whether that’s a player and a pick or multiple lower-round picks.
Cleveland holds seven picks in this year’s draft, which begins Thursday. In the second round, the Browns pick 10th at No. 41 overall.
This offseason, Cleveland and Dorsey mutually parted ways. The Browns replaced him with former Eagles executive Andrew Berry.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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