Sources: Jonah Williams Still Expected to Return For Bengals Mandatory Minicamp

The 25-year-old requested a trade in March.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Jun 1, 2023 9:10 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — Tyler Boyd reported for the Bengals offseason program this week. Could Jonah Williams be next?

The veteran offensive tackle requested a trade in March after Cincinnati signed Orlando Brown Jr. to a four-year, $64 million contract.

The Bengals had some trade discussions involving Williams, but didn't get close to moving the former first round pick, sources told All Bengals.

The 25-year-old has spent the offseason rehabbing in California according to Albert Breer.

Williams continues to make progress and plans on returning to the team for mandatory minicamp, which starts on June 13, sources say.

Jackson Carman has taken the first-team reps during the offseason program since Williams isn't with the team. La'el Collins continues to rehab from knee reconstruction surgery after suffering a torn ACL in December.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor described Williams' status as "day-to-day" this week, but all signs point to him being in a better place with the team than he was a few months ago.

He's set to make $12.6 million this year after the Bengals picked up his fifth-year option prior to the 2022 season. He played through a knee dislocation last season and had an offseason procedure that's expected to help prevent the issue from happening again this year.

"He's doing good," Bengals center Ted Karras said last month. "I think everything will come together here shortly. And, you know, hopefully, we can get to work, you know, minicamp and OTAs. OTAs come up and get on the field. We have our full squad together."

OTAs start on June 6, but they aren't mandatory.

Williams will have to battle Carman and Collins for the starting right tackle job when he does arrive. The Bengals are confident he can switch from left tackle to the right side and still be effective.

"It'll be a little bit of a transition, but he's athletic. He's a smart player. He's a really good player in that regard. I think he should have no problem," Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack said in March. "Getting over doing that with reps and constraints. He's got a whole offseason. Guys have been asked to do that all the time. There is a little bit of transition going left to right. But I'd say it'd be a little bit smoother than going from tackle to guard. But he's a good player. He's smart. He's athletic. He understands what he does best. And he's a technician-type player. I think he can do it."

The Bengals should get a first-hand look at Williams' progress later this month at minicamp.

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