Seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams skipped the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday as he seeks a new contract with the Washington Redskins.
Williams has two years left on his existing contract worth $24 million, which includes base salaries of $11 million in 2019 and $12.5 million in 2020.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden confirmed Williams’ absence.
“We have been talking to Trent a little bit here and there. He is not here, you are right,” Gruden said. “As far as holding out for whatever reasons, that is between Trent and (senior vice president of football operations) Eric (Schaffer) and (team president) Bruce (Allen). Hopefully, we’ll get it all situated soon and get him back here.”
Williams, who turns 31 before the start of training camp, underwent knee surgery last year and in April had an operation to remove a tumor from his head.
Williams played a full 16-game regular-season schedule only twice in his first nine seasons.
Gruden said the veteran lineman will be missed this week.
“Well he is the best tackle in pro football,” Gruden said. “He’s a great player for us, a great leader. We would love to have him here without a doubt. I know his teammates support him and we support him without a doubt, but hopefully we get it situated where he comes back.”