The Cleveland Browns are still looking for a left tackle to fill the void left by Joe Thomas, who retired after the 2017 season.
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported the Browns will explore acquiring two left tackles that became available Thursday: Washington Redskins seven-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams and Philadelphia Eagles nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters.
ESPN NFL reporter Dianna Russini reported the Redskins have given Williams permission to seek a trade.
The Washington Redskins are giving Trent Williams an opportunity seek a trade per sources.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 5, 2020
The Eagles released a statement Thursday indicating Peters will become an unrestricted free agent on March 18:
“We are appreciative of everything Jason has contributed to the organization over the last 11 seasons in Philadelphia, including building a first-ballot Hall of Fame career and helping us win our first Super Bowl championship. Jason has been an incredible leader and person both on and off the field. We will remain in communication as each side continues to evaluate its options in free agency.”
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 5, 2020
Both players have connections to the Browns, who are looking to improve their offensive line to protect quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Browns also have the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which is set to begin April 23.
The top tackles in the draft include Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, and Houston’s Josh Jones.
The team could draft an offensive tackle or use the pick to trade for a player like Williams.
Williams, 31, played for new Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan from 2015-2015 in Washington.
Last season, Williams sat out in a medical dispute with the Redskins.
Williams felt the team mishandled a growth on his head that turned out to be cancerous and was removed.
“I’m just happy this situation seems to be heading towards an end,” Williams told ESPN NFL Nation reporter John Keim.
From Trent Williams via text: "I'm just happy this situation seems to be heading towards an end."
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 5, 2020
Spotrac.com shows Williams has one year left on his contract worth $12.5 million.
In October 2019, multiple media reports indicated former Browns general manager John Dorsey tried to trade for Williams before the NFL trade deadline.
Agent Vince Taylor represents both Williams and Peters.
“Trent is excited to resume his Pro Bowl career with a team interested in a player of his stature,” Taylor told The Athletic. “We really appreciate and respect Dan Snyder for the chance to seek another opportunity.
“This isn’t about a contract, but time for a change of scenery.”
Taylor on Trent Williams (2/2): "This isn't about a contract, but time for a change of scenery." #Redskins @TheAthleticDC
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 5, 2020
Peters, 38, has played for the Eagles since 2009.
New Browns general manager Andrew Berry was an assistant GM to Howie Roseman during the 2019 season in Philadelphia.
The Browns could also explore veteran offensive lineman in free agency, which includes Tennessee Titans’ tackle Jack Conklin or New England Patriots’ guard Joe Thuney.
From Trent Williams’ agent Vince Taylor, Trent is in fighting form pic.twitter.com/Qbc9m159pc
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 5, 2020
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