Bengals: Interest "heats up" for potential Jonah Williams trade
When the Cincinnati Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. to become their next left tackle, their incumbent starter wanted out. Jonah Williams requested a trade not long after reports of Brown agreeing to terms were released. The fifth-year veteran wants to be a left tackle in the league, and he lost that chance in Cincinnati. Luckily, […]
When the Cincinnati Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. to become their next left tackle, their incumbent starter wanted out.
Jonah Williams requested a trade not long after reports of Brown agreeing to terms were released. The fifth-year veteran wants to be a left tackle in the league, and he lost that chance in Cincinnati.
Luckily, the Bengals seem to be entertaining Williams' request.
Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Bengals have heard from several teams as interest "heats up" for Williams.
If nothing else, there seems to be an active market for Williams' services. The former first-round pick hasn't quite lived up to that billing in the past two years, but is still recognized as a passable edge protector. The NFL is in constant need of those.
Cincinnati would like to keep Williams as a right tackle for the upcoming season, but Williams would much rather take over at left tackle for another club, and earn the potential payday that comes with distinction.
This could ultimately be Williams' agent leaking info to Rapoport to garner public attention towards his client's wishes. Williams went to his representation, not the team, to declare a trade last week. The sooner a trade is finalized, the better for Williams.
Timing is also a factor for the Bengals. They're not going to send Williams away for anything less than they feel he's worth to them. Should they wait until the NFL Draft next month, they may receiver more desperate offers from left tackle-needy franchises. Trading him as soon as possible won't net the same potential return.
However, if they get a deal they can't refuse in the near future, then both sides come out on top.
The Bengals rarely trade away their own players, especially ones they value as starters. If they are indeed engaging in legitimate trade talks, then we can safely assume this will eventually happen.
