OTAs are voluntary, but Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams is a team captain and should be working with the team.
According to Merriam-Webster, the word "voluntary" is defined as "proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent." In the world of the NFL, offseason practices, otherwise known as OTAs, are considered voluntary. However, teams would prefer if all players chose to be present. Especially team captains.
The Washington Redskins are currently in this predicament with star left tackle Trent Williams. A longtime team captain, Williams is choosing to work out from afar this offseason. And while the team isn't upset with him, he should be in D.C. with his teammates.
As for why Williams is absent from OTAs, that isn't really known. There's no apparent discontent from Williams or his camp. The franchise left tackle signed a five-year, $66 million extension just before the 2015 season. On the field, Williams is a warrior and arguably the best offensive tackle in the game.
However, in November 2016 while the Redskins were in the middle of a playoff race, Williams was suspended four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Fortunately for Washington, journeyman Ty Nsekhe filled in admirably for Williams during his absence.
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On and off the field during his time with Washington, Williams has been outstanding. The only blemish for Williams is two drug suspensions over his seven-year career. As a team captain, that cannot continue to happen.
The injury risk is real. And it was collectively bargained for by the union to make these practices voluntary. The NFL is a brutal sport and it's clear the teams and the league doesn't value these players. However, Williams is a captain and, after letting his team down last season, he should be in town to set an example.
When head coach Jay Gruden was asked about Williams, there wasn't much he could say, per J.P. Finlay of CSN Mid-Atlantic:
"We'd like everybody to be here without a doubt, but at the end of the day, Jordan Reed is in Miami working out, Trent is working out in Oklahoma," Gruden said.
Of course, the head coach wants his star left tackle and team captain in town. With OTAs taking place not long after the NFL draft, it's important for rookies to see the captains in the locker room and on the practice field.
Williams is acting within his own right. If he wasn't a team captain, this wouldn't be too much of an issue. Williams has never missed OTAs before. But coming off a suspension less than a year ago and now missing offseason practices sets a bad example to his younger teammates.
He certainly doesn't need the practice time. The Redskins know what they are getting in Williams. He will produce at a high level and is never an issue in the locker room. Even if he didn't want to practice, it would be wise just to be in the locker room during the OTAs. The veteran players absolutely don't mind Williams' absence. They, more than anyone, understand. The younger players, though, could certainly benefit from his presence.
Training camp is next month for all 32 teams and, by that time, this will be a non-story. But for now, Williams owes it to his teammates to be with the team this offseason.
