The Cincinnati Bengals seem to be doing what they can to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
One of the best moves they have made so far in free agency is signing offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
The Bengals gave Brown a four-year, $64 million contract.
He is expected to be their new left tackle.
That means that current left tackle Jonah Williams will have to find a new position.
But, he does not seem willing to do so.
According to Ian Rapoport, Williams has requested a trade.
In the wake of the Orlando Brown signing, #Bengals OT Jonah Williams has requested a trade through his agent Ryan Tollner, sources say. Just 25 years old with 47 career starts at LT protecting Joe Burrow, Williams becomes the top tackle available if Cincy is willing to move on. pic.twitter.com/miTcjVjCtG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2023
If the Bengals cannot persuade Williams to come back, he will be a big loss from their offensive line.
Cincinnati already has problems with pass blocking, so losing Williams would only magnify the issue.
One reason the Bengals may consider moving Williams is that he can save them cap space.
Trading him would save the Bengals $12.6 million in space and that is quite valuable.
Also, Williams will be entering the final season of his contract.
If the Bengals don’t plan on re-signing him, it may pay to trade him now and get something in return.
Cincinnati could choose to improve its offensive line through the draft as well.
They select 28th overall in the first round, and a good lineman should be available for that pick.
It will be interesting to see how the Bengals operate the rest of this offseason, knowing one of their top linemen wants out.
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