Trent Williams Extension Offers Stability Amid Washington Redskins' QB Chaos

The Washington Redskins don't have a franchise quarterback, but they do have a player who can make even an average quarterback look good. Now they've got him for the next five years.

That's how long Trent Williams will stay in town after the Redskins extended his contract, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport:

That "highest-paid T in history" part really stands out. It's further emphasis on how important Williams is for the Burgundy and Gold. To put it simply, a dominant left tackle can be a quarterback's best friend. Pro Bowler Williams certainly fits the former description.

The quarterback in Washington needs all the friends he can get right now. That counts for whoever the quarterback is this season.

At the moment, that's not at all clear. It was supposed to be Robert Griffin III. But, predictably, No. 10 has looked lost this preseason and has also suffered yet another injury.

The ensuing fiasco regarding Griffin's status following the concussion he sustained against the Detroit Lions was just so Washington. More to the point, it was just so RG3 and Washington.

Liz Clarke of the Washington Post attempted to chronologically account for all of the clearances, withdrawn clearances and lack of understanding that led to Griffin being sat down and Kirk Cousins starting.

Since that decision was made, the rumor mill hasn't just gone into overdrive. It's spun off into the ether, churning out every wild theory imaginable.

ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini tweeted how the Redskins won't just turn Cousins loose in exhibition games. He'll also reportedly start the regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins:

Fellow ESPN reporter Ed Werder even suggested that new Washington general manager Scot McCloughan might move on from RG3 altogether:

That would solve a lot of Washington's dysfunction as a franchise. But would the quarterback situation be any more settled?

Cousins' performance in Week 3's 31-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens represented the first step toward finding an answer. But in typical fashion, not much clarity has been provided despite the quarterback going 20-of-27 for 190 yards and a touchdown.

Cousins performed very well in stretches against the Ravens. However, there were also enough ugly moments to consider putting the brakes on the idea of No. 8 inspiring a revival in Washington.

Among the many good things Cousins did was spread the ball around, make quick throws and look beyond his primary read. You know, all the things Griffin never does.

ESPN's John Keim praised Cousins' footwork:

Meanwhile, 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen was impressed with how Cousins controlled the line of scrimmage:

Most of all though, Cousins led the offense to points. In fact, he led the first-team offense to its first touchdown in the preseason since 2013, per Paulsen.

Yet Cousins' critics will point to the first-quarter interception he tossed to Ravens pass-rusher Terrell Suggs. It came on a badly telegraphed bubble screen.

Despite the play being a fine read from Suggs, CSNWashington.com's Rich Tandler noted how Cousins made a poor decision by even attempting the pass:

Any time Cousins throws a pick, he'll go from supposed savior to on the hot seat. That's not entirely unfair considering this is a passer who turned interceptions in the fourth quarter into an unwanted trademark last season.

Even some of his better plays in Baltimore wouldn't have come off without fate's helping hand. Washington's first touchdown came from a Cousins pass reeled in by rookie wideout Jamison Crowder after it had bounced off the hands of his first target, veteran Andre Roberts.

Later in half, the quarterback literally helped himself out of trouble after a weak, low throw was batted at the line. Ben Celestino offered this highlight of the bizarre play:

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good, but your luck won't last forever. Or so Cousins' doubters will say.

As if the whole situation wasn't murky enough, Colt McCoy entered the game and made a host of big plays and nice throws on the run, showcasing a mobility that Cousins doesn't possess. McCoy completed 10 of 12 passes for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

My head hurts.

The point here is that the quarterback situation remains chaotic even after solid outings from Cousins and McCoy. This franchise still has to answer its Griffin problem.

If it's a definitive judgement, then head coach Jay Gruden needs to make a final call on either Cousins or McCoy and stick to it.

Jay Paul/Associated Press

It's a big with question with so many answers, and lost in the mix is the man paid to protect the blind side of whoever lines up under center. Fortunately, there are few better at it in the league than Williams.

Mike Jones of the Washington Post detailed how much Williams has developed since his first two years in the league:

"

Williams has delivered, serving as one of the team’s offensive captains in each of the past three seasons, while also becoming more dominant and more consistent. He has earned Pro Bowl honors in 2012, 2013 and 2014. This offseason, the NFL’s players voted Williams as the 47th-best player in the league in the NFL Network’s annual Top 100 poll.

"

The Redskins got a timely reminder of Williams' value when he missed the game against the Lions. Backup Willie Smith was beaten repeatedly on a night when Griffin suffered a relentless beating.

McCloughan and team president Bruce Allen clearly took note and decided to back up the Brink's truck to keep 2010's fourth overall pick in town.

Williams' return to the lineup, along with the change at quarterback, sparked a complete reversal from the blocking fiasco against Detroit:

That's not a coincidence. Williams' presence guarantees that the most important side of Washington's revamped offensive line is strong.

It's great news for assistant coach Bill Callahan, who needs to focus most of his effort on getting the inexperienced duo of rookie Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses up to speed on the right side.

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

But it's better news for whoever ultimately gets the nod at starting quarterback for 2015. A player who will at least keep premier edge-rushers quiet the way Williams does will be crucial in making a shaky signal-caller more comfortable and confident in the pocket.

That may not be enough to finally solve the question mark at quarterback. It may not be enough to make Washington a winner in 2015.

But keeping Williams around is a fantastic start toward both.

All statistics and information courtesy of NFL.com.