Getty Image / Michael Allio
At this time a couple of years ago, football fans found themselves debating whether the Cincinnati Bengals could afford to draft Ja’Marr Chase instead of Penei Sewell when they had very little protection for Joe Burrow on their roster.
They ended up selecting Chase and gave up the league’s most sacks the following season.
In 2022, they took steps to change that. They brought in La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras to solidify their line.
Those additions along with improved play from Jonah Williams saw the Bengals allow 10 less sacks in 2022.
This offseason, they’ve already taken a huge step to improve even more.
They signed former Kansas City Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown to a big contract.
While the move was a big win for the franchise, it looks like there is one player who wasn’t particularly thrilled to see the signing.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Jonah Williams has requested a trade following the Brown signing.
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
Williams had been the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting left tackle since the team drafted him 11th overall back in 2019, but Brown will be taking that spot over now.
With La’el Collins under contract for 2 more years to start on the right side, it’s hard to see where Williams fits at this point.
A trade could actually be what’s best for both sides right now. There is definitely a market around the league for a starting left tackle.
Williams is on the 5th year of his rookie deal and teams could certainly do worse than picking him up to protect their quarterback for a season.