The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to sign a notable free agent left tackle boosted the roster but also put the job of the longest-serving member of the offensive line at risk.
Shortly after learning that Orlando Brown had signed a four-year deal with Cincinnati, veteran lineman Jonah Williams expressed his desire to be traded, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Williams was drafted in the first round by the Bengals in 2019 and has been the starter in the left tackle since his arrival.
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Jonah Williams, #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals, competes in the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images)
In a recent radio interview with the Bengals broadcast team, offensive line coach Frank Pollack mentioned that Brown is expected to play on the left side of the offensive line.
“He’ll be our left tackle,” Pollack said.
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Williams, 25, has a year left on his rookie contract, which will earn him a base salary of $12.6 million in 2023.
After losing to the Rams in Super Bowl LVI and giving up a record amount of quarterback sacks in 2021, the Bengals have invested heavily in their offensive line.
La’el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa were signed in 2022. Cordell Volson was also drafted last year.
Jonah Williams, #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 20, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
If Williams ultimately decides to stay in Cincinnati, he would likely need to switch to the right side of the line if he wants to see any significant playing time.
Collins, the Bengals’ current starter, suffered a season-ending knee injury and may not be ready as the 2023 season begins.
Jonah Williams, #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals, competes against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Williams is likely to attract interest from several NFL teams. If he joins a new team, he will likely seek a new multi-year deal.
He was a two-time All-American in Alabama. He’s been a solid player since being picked #11 overall, but he hasn’t quite played at an elite level.
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Williams has been a durable player, having started in 42 games out of a possible 50 over the past three seasons. An injury sidelined him throughout his rookie campaign.
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