The Kansas City Chiefs appear to be among the team contending for the San Francisco 49ers pending free agent, LT Trent Williams.
According to a report by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Chiefs are one of the teams that have been involved in negotiations with Williams throughout the period of legal tampering. Williams is widely seen as the premium of the free agency period and, according to Pelissero’s report, he also expects to be paid as such.
Here’s a look at what Pelissero said in a recent appearance on the NFL Network:
“Well, the expectation is certainly not just that Trent Williams is on that list – the best free agent – but he will be the highest paid of the remaining free agents. We have already seen two other attackers on the offensive line, Joe Thuney and Corey Linsley, doing great business. Trent Williams is also prepared for this. He wants to be paid at the top of the market. Despite his age, despite having taken a year off before making his comeback last season with the 49ers, he wants to be in line with the best players in his position, who were talking about over $ 20 million dollars a year. So, although the 49ers have prioritized this – trying to strike a deal with Trent Williams – there have been other teams, including the Chiefs, who have already spent so much money on Joe Thuney, getting involved. Still, some moving parts here, but one thing Trent Williams has made clear, he is not going to play for a discount. He wants what he sees as his fair market value. And up to this point, again, what you said, Andrew, we’re not much of that, just a good 24 hours or more, but he’s willing to wait to get that money. “
Williams appears to be willing to wait for things to get the contract he believes is due. Are bosses willing to spend what he is asking for? Also, how long are they willing to wait? The Cardinals re-signed OT Kelvin Beachum today, and there are so many viable options in the free agency that they can play the left. Will Kansas City be the victim of putting all the eggs in one basket?
This situation certainly deserves monitoring as we approach the end of the period of legal adulteration and the official start of the free agency.