Adding the seven-time Pro Bowler from Washington would do wonders for the New York Jets’ future offensive prospects.
According to Connor Hughes of The Athletic, the New York Jets are looking into a trade for Washington Redskins offensive lineman Trent Williams.
Some non-airport news …
According to multiple league sources, the #Jets are among the teams pursuing #Redskins LT Trent Williams.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 6, 2020
Williams, 31, has been granted a request for a trade, and the Jets are one of several teams vying for his services. The Oklahoma alum has reached seven Pro Bowls during his time in Washington and made an All-Pro team in 2015.
Things have since soured between he and the Redskins after Williams was highly displeased with a medical procedure reported in April 2019. Williams had a growth removed from his head that was later revealed to be a type of cancer. Team doctors previously told Williams that the situation was not serious back in 2013.
Williams did not play in any games last season. He was activated in October but failed a medical exam when he experienced helmet discomfort due to post-surgical soreness. The Redskins drafted Williams fourth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.
New York would be a very compatible match for Williams. The Jets are in desperate need of blocking help, especially with talents like Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell manning their backfield. They allowed 52 sacks last season (third-worst in the NFL) while Bell posted the worst full-season tallies of his career. Eleven different blockers started at least one game on the line after injuries (including ailments to offseason additions Ryan Kalil and Kelchi Osemele) claimed several victims.
Adding Williams would also help make up for lost time in the Jets’ draft room. Prior to the selection of USC tackle Chuma Edoga in the most recent third round, the team had taken a lineman during the draft’s first two days since Vlad Ducasse in 2010 (second round). Getting a veteran like Williams (who is in the final year of a five-year, $68 million deal inked in 2015) could also potentially allow the Jets to use their upcoming first-round pick (11th overall) on a skill player.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags