Trent Williams has been anxiously waiting to be traded from the Washington Redskins and his wish was finally granted. On the third and final day of the 2020 NFL Draft, Williams was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers in a trade with the Redskins.
Since prior to the 2019 season, Williams grew disgruntled with the Redskins, stemming from a dispute with Washington's medical staff. Due to the divide between him and the organization, Williams chose to sit out for the entire 2019 season.
Even though a new regime was put in place with Ron Rivera becoming the Redskins head coach, Williams remained adamant about being traded. Now, after months of waiting to join a new team, Williams will be joining the reigning NFC champions.
To acquire Williams, the 49ers surrendered a fifth-round pick in this year's draft and a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Just seeing the package that it took to acquire Williams, many have labeled the trade as a steal for San Francisco.
Without a doubt, the 49ers become a vastly better team with Williams added to the offensive line. Taking that into consideration, what letter grade does San Francisco deserve in their blockbuster trade?
San Francisco's grade in the trade for Williams: A+
Since Williams was put on the trade block by Washington, it was assumed that he'd command a first or second-round pick. As a matter of fact, the Redskins were once set on getting an early draft pick for the veteran left tackle.
However, the longer that the Redskins held onto Williams, the more his trade value declined. Seeing what the 49ers gave up for Williams, it is apparent that Washington wasn't going to get much for him this offseason.
While the Redskins botched the situation involving Williams, the 49ers are going to be wanted for robbery. Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the 49ers, has previous experience in coaching Williams. Given that, they get a left tackle that already understands the verbiage in Shanahan's offense.
In addition, with Joe Staley leaning toward retirement, Williams gives San Francisco a viable replacement for him. Therefore, the 49ers are going from a six-time Pro Bowler to a seven-time Pro Bowler at left tackle.
Just by the mere fact that they were able to land Williams is a huge victory for the 49ers. But the fact they got him for such a discount gives them an A+ in the trade for the veteran left tackle. If Williams is healthy, San Francisco instantly got better for next season.
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