Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams received a contract extension Saturday (according to his agent) that would make him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL.
Is he worth that kind of money? It depends on which version of him the Redskins are going to get going forward: The 2013 Williams who was our No. 1-graded offensive tackle, or the 2014 Williams who ranked just No. 17 at the position.
That’s obviously a huge gap – the difference between the best tackle in the game and an average one.
Let’s compare the two seasons:
–In 2013, he compiled a +34.4 overall grade, and finishing almost six grade points ahead of second-ranked Joe Thomas (+28.5). Williams was equally dominant, with a +13.7 run-blocking grade and a +17.1 pass -locking grade and also ranked eighth in pass-blocking efficiency at 95.9.
–In 2014, Williams took a step back and struggled with shoulder and knee injuries throughout the season. He ranked No. 17 out of all tackles with a +10.5 overall grade. His pass-blocking grade of +9.3 and pass-blocking efficiency rating of 96.2 were still up to standard, but his run blocking suffered as his +1.7 run blocking grade ranked No. 21 out of all tackles.
Williams is still only 28 years old, and at one of the premium positions in football, has a tremendous opportunity in front of him. If he can stay healthy and replicate his dominant 2013 season, the Redskins should certainly feel justified in rewarding him with such a big contract extension. If he reverts to his 2014 form, however, he is going to be one of the more overpaid players in the NFL.