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(New York, NY) — The longest tenured player on the Bengals’ offensive line is requesting a trade.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports left tackle Jonah Williams is seeking a trade. The request was officially made heading into the weekend after the Bengals signed four-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from the Chiefs.
Williams, 25, was selected in the first round by Cincinnati back in 2019 and has been the team’s starting left tackle since. He’s cemented himself as one of the teams best pass-blockers, leading the Bengals in pass block win rate, an ESPN metric powered by NFL Next Gen Stats.
Jonah Williams Introduced 4 26 2019
Offensive line coach Frank Pollack declined to get into specifics regarding Williams’ trade request but said he had spoken to the Bengals’ veteran. “I hope we get to coach him,” Pollack said. “He’s a good football player. He’s got a bright future. Hopefully it’s still here with the Bengals in 2023.”
If he stays in Cincinnati, Williams faces competition at right tackle from La’el Collins who is working his way back from a torn ACL and free agent Cody Ford who was also signed to a one-year deal.
Trading Williams, who’s in the final year of his contract, may be inevitable with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins all needing extensions.
The former Alabama product is set to hit free agency after the 2023 season. He’s owned $12.6 million entering the final year of his rookie contract.
