The Washington Redskins reportedly are discussing the possibility of trading holdout Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, and the New England Patriots could be a potential landing spot.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported Wednesday that while it’s “unclear what type of compensation” the Redskins could be seeking, there’s “a feeling around the league the Patriots would be involved due to depth issues at the position.”
Newly signed to the Redskins, left tackle Donald Penn said Wednesday he joined Washington for a chance to start.
“The main factor was, I was playing left tackle again. I kind of reluctantly played right tackle last year, being a team player, but I’m a left tackle at heart,” Penn said. “I’ve played left tackle my whole career. I wanted to go somewhere where I had a chance to start. I play left tackle and I know [Head Coach] Jay Gruden’s offense pretty well because I worked with his brother a lot and I worked with Jay in my first two years in the league, in Tampa. So, I have a lot of familiar faces here – [President] Bruce Allen, [Senior Vice President of Player Personnel] Doug Williams. They said they needed some help and we worked everything out, so I was willing to come in and help.”
Penn said he is good friends with Williams and talked to him before signing in Washington. While he wants to keep the conversation private, Penn said he talked to Williams about Penn potentially being a “swing” tackle who can line up on the right side and back up either position.
Patriots offensive lineman J.J. Dielman retired last week, and the team is short-handed along the offensive line.
The Redskins placed Williams on the reserve/did not report list on Saturday after he failed to show up for training camp.
Williams is said to be unhappy with the medical staff after a tumor scare earlier this offseason and also would like at least an “alteration” to his contract. A CBS Sports report earlier this offseason said Williams wanted out of Washington.
Williams, who turned 31 earlier this month, has reached seven consecutive Pro Bowls. He has been with the Redskins since 2010, when they took him fourth overall in the NFL draft.
