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Adrian Peterson: Trent Williams' Redskins Holdout Is 'Impacting Us Tremendously'
August 13, 2019
Adrian Peterson didn't sugarcoat how Trent Williams' absence is affecting the Washington Redskins as they prepare for the 2019 season.
"Since Day 1 of camp you notice his absence is impacting us tremendously," Peterson said to ESPN's Josina Anderson. "You go from not having to worry about the blind side at all to having to chip on that side, add a tight end there which changes what you do."
ig: josinaanderson @JosinaAnderson[Peterson on Trent Cont.] I think it it's making Dwayne Haskins have to think more, not process things as calmly. Matter of fact, I think it's impacting all of our QBs. Guys r coming off the edge in prax right there on the QB & the RB. It's been a struggle." [Cont]
ig: josinaanderson @JosinaAndersonWhen I asked Adrian Peterson if Trent Williams' mind can be changed once it's made up about his future with the #Skins, he said, "no." Adding, "He's the best & most athletic LT in the game, and I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back, & I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't."
Williams is engaged in a protracted holdout with the Redskins that hinges on a few different issues.
The 31-year-old has two years left on his current deal. His $13.6 million average salary ranks seventh among offensive tackles, per Spotrac. Given his age and injury history—2013 was the last time he was healthy for a full season—this is probably his best chance to collect one more big payday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in July, however, that Williams was upset with Washington's medical staff, specifically how it handled the growth doctors discovered on his head in the offseason.
Because of that, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reported a new contract may not be enough to placate the seven-time Pro Bowler:
"Sources explained that the situation is not all about money, rather his contract status along with the series of allegations that the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle has lost faith in the team's front office and medical staff. Still, money might be the only way to fix the holdout.
A reported plan that Washington could fine Williams enough for missing practices so that he would hurry back and report was "funny." Williams has made nearly $100 million in his career, and the threat of fines that could reach up to perhaps $500,000 are of small consequence to the veteran left tackle, sources explained."
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Redskins have indicated to interested suitors they aren't prepared to trade Williams, which ensures the situation will continue to drag on without any end in sight.
Washington signed Donald Penn to help compensate for Williams' absence, and Geron Christian Sr. is listed as the starting left tackle on the team's unofficial depth chart.
Peterson's comments highlight how the line is considerably worse without Williams, though, on the left side.