Trent Williams holding out for new deal

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by Number44

If he sits for 2 years, isn't he still obligated to the Redskins for 2 years? I thought if he sits out the 2 years, he's pretty much retiring unless he comes back to the Redskins. Do I have that wrong?

Yes you have that wrong. The contract binds Trent to the team for two years. If he doesn't attend mandatory team events per the contract (Camps practices meetings and games) then the Redskins can withhold pay, per the contract.

But once the two years are up, he's a free agent, regardless of whether he played or sat.

The franchise tag is the element in this that really takes all of Trent's leverage away. While Trent may appear to have some strength in threatening to withhold his services, he'd have to sacrifice $21M to do so, and STILL may not reach free agency because the Redskins could just tag him. Then he'd have to sit out his age 34 season, too.

And by that point you might as well be retired. His realization will come any day now. He will realize he either plays with the Redskins for the few years he has left in his career, or he will have to effectively retire.

Bruce is right, I don't see Trent retiring. And that's the crux of it. When you hold the ultimate hammer in the franchise tag, even principled stances can't hold up.