What do the New York Giants need more than anything in the world? Offensive line talent!
With the 2022 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the expectation is that the Giants will use one of their first-round picks on a right tackle, but they could solve the spot in free agency after the Buffalo Bills just released one of their starting players.
Buffalo cut offensive lineman Daryl Williams on Monday with legal tampering opening up just two days before free agency officially begins. Williams was projected to earn $7.7 million in base salary with a $9.9 million Hit. However, the Bills will save $6.3 million by releasing him, eating $3.6 million in dead cap.
Given his contract was never cumbersome to begin with, the Giants could easily consider signing him to a multi-year deal, locking down either the right tackle or right guard spot, both positions in which he has plenty of experience.
Last season, Williams spent 600 snaps at right guard and 571 at right tackle, showcasing dominant pass-blocking prowess. In 2020, Williams featured at right tackle solely, accumulating 1050 snaps. He recorded an 80 overall pass-blocking grade, according to PFF. He was also a quality run blocker, featuring a 76.9 grade. Daryl allowed just three sacks and 17 hurries the entire season but did get hit with nine penalties.
Given Williams’s extensive experience at multiple positions of need for the Giants, he could plug and play based on need this upcoming season. If new general manager Joe Schoen lands a tackle in the first round, either Ikem Ekwonu or Charles Cross, they could kick Williams into right guard, featuring an experienced player to help the rookie develop.
The question is, do the Giants have the necessary funds to sign a player like Daryl? Schoen could present a multi-year offer to Williams. Three years with an out after the second season seems tangible.
If Williams theoretically is worth $10 million per season, the Giants would have to restructure a few contracts if not trade players altogether. They currently have a bit over $5 million in salary space, but the expectation is that James Bradberry will depart one way or another, and Logan Ryan could be on the chopping block as well as a trade candidate.
Despite the Giants having minimal salary to play with, this is one of those moves that makes sense and could lock down the trenches for the next few seasons with a bit more draft allocation.