Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams reported to the team this week for mandatory sessions and met with the media for the first time since the now-infamous trade request.
Asked about that, Williams revealed that the trade request his reps put in with the team wasn’t strictly because he would move to right tackle after Orlando Brown Jr.’s arrival.
More important to Williams and his reps was the fact he had to find out about the news on his phone and it was difficult to get ahold of the Bengals front office.
“That’s all I wanted was communication and conversation and it never happened…I’ve started 37 games,” Williams said, according to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “If it were communicated, it would be hard to hear, but I’d understand.”
Williams clarified that while he understands the front office didn’t need to reach out and inform him, it still didn’t help matters. Regardless, he plans to show up under contract and play his best for this contending team no matter what.
Near the draft, rumors circulated that the Bengals had trade talks concerning Williams, but instead opted to keep him as an option at right tackle. Barring something shocking, he’ll be in the mix there next season for the final year of his rookie contract.
Jonah Williams clears the air in a very respectful, honest way.
Wasn’t happy that the front office didn’t have a convo with him about moving his position before he saw the news – and still hasn’t – but it was never personal and plans to be the best RT he can be pic.twitter.com/Tup8FyOqSY
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) June 13, 2023
