NFL trade rumors: Who needs Trent Williams the most?

Besides, of course, the Washington Redskins, who needs Trent Williams on their roster the most for the 2019 season? We look at the options.

Besides, of course, the Washington Redskins — who would undoubtedly prefer not to trade the best player on their team — who could use Trent Williams the most for the 2019 season?

The Redskins have apparently burnt a bridge with their star left tackle.

Injuries have limited Williams to just two full 16-game seasons in his nine years in the NFL, but when he’s on the field, he is a dominant player and arguably the best all-around left tackle in the game.

There are others in the discussion, so don’t get all bent out of shape about that. Williams is as good as anyone when fully healthy, but his health is the reason he apparently wants out of Washington. And according to multiple reports, teams have been reaching out to the Redskins to see what the asking price would be for the left tackle.

If ‘several’ teams are trying to acquire Williams, and the Broncos are out along with the rest of the teams in the NFC East, that leaves 27 teams to pick from.

Of course, teams with the most cap space and an obvious need at left tackle should be considered the aggressive ones here, but which teams need Williams the most?

Here are my top three candidates.

1. Houston Texans

I think there’s a gap of separation between the Houston Texans and any other team on this hypothetical list.

As I previously wrote, the Texans could truly salvage their entire offseason by trading for Williams. For them, the draft compensation, even a first-round pick, is inconsequential when you think about the impact Williams is capable of making in protecting their most valuable asset, DeShaun Watson.

The Texans used their top pick in this year’s draft on Tytus Howard, who is apparently working mostly at left guard in training camp. The Texans need Trent Williams.

2. Cleveland Browns

The Browns did just about everything right this offseason, although they couldn’t reel in either Gerald McCoy or Mike Daniels in free agency after both guys were cut, as it appears both were more motivated for revenge on their former teams.

With all the good the Browns did this offseason, it’s obvious this team has some needs on the offensive line or at least the opportunity to upgrade.

Williams would be an instant upgrade over Greg Robinson.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals lost rookie Jonah Williams for the season in OTAs, and their offensive line is in a shambles with that loss and the retirement of Clint Boling at left guard.

If the Bengals decided they had a good enough offense to at least make life difficult on opposing teams this season, they could try to trade for Williams and solidify that unit, moving Cordy Glenn back over to right tackle and, for the time being, solidifying the line.

They could then move Jonah Williams to left guard when he comes back from injury, and from left to right, they would really have something cooking.

The Bengals need to give their fans something to be excited about after a dismal offseason.