Redskins Rumors: Trent Williams Asked for 'Quarterback Money' in New Contract

Trent Williams apparently set a steep price when he first opened negotiations with the Washington Redskins over a long-term extension.

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported Monday the veteran offensive tackle "was asking for quarterback money."

Williams missed the entire 2019 season as he was locked in a contract standoff. Now, ESPN's Dianna Russini reported the Redskins are allowing the 31-year-old to pursue a trade.

Negotiations are always supposed to include some give and take. Assuming Williams did seek quarterback-type money, he probably wasn't expecting that to be the final number.

In terms of annual average, the mean salary for the top 10 QBs is $30.6 million, per Spotrac. It's far and away the most expensive position on the field. Offensive tackles, meanwhile, have a mean salary of just under $15 million among the top 10 earners.

Perhaps Williams' initial demand spoke to how he ultimately preferred to leave Washington. He set an asking price he knew the team would never meet.

In addition, one significant source of friction had nothing to do with money. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in July that Williams was holding out in part because of how the team handled what proved to be a cancerous growth on his scalp:

Williams elaborated on the situation in October.

"The lump continued to grow over the years, and it was concerning," he said, per NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux. "But there was no pain involved. If I'm getting told by various people who I put my career in the hands of telling me that I'm fine, then I'm fine. That's how I looked at it."

Washington fired team president Bruce Allen and head athletic trainer Larry Hess, which allowed the team and Williams to reset to some extent. Based on Russini's report, the relationship between the two sides is broken beyond repair, though.

Williams is set to be a free agent in 2021. According to ESPN's John Keim, he's looking for an average salary that would eclipse $20 million and make him the highest-earning tackle.