With outside noise about their messy quarterback situation blaring at an untenable volume, executives in Washington know it's time to reward their best players in the hopes of using them as building blocks for a better tomorrow.
On Saturday, left tackle Trent Williams found out just how generous they can be.
Williams became the highest paid tackle in NFL history Saturday, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per Williams' agent. The 27-year-old agreed to a five-year, $66 million extension, which puts him at an average of 13.2 million per year. He gets $43.25 million in guarantees, according to Rapoport. Williams signed his deal on Sunday, the team announced.
This is a big step for new general manager Scot McCloughan, who also took offensive lineman Brandon Scherff with a top-five pick in this year's draft. While his quarterback situation runs circles around him, he knows the most important step to getting Washington back on track is solidifying its offensive line.
Though the team still has a ways to go, ensuring that Williams doesn't go anywhere is a major step. Pro Football Focus notes that Williams has surrendered just 12 sacks over the past two seasons, and in 2013 rated him the best offensive tackle in football.
Williams' deal will certainly have a trickle-down effect across the league with stars like Russell Okung hitting free agency soon.
