The new York Giants do not want defensive lineman Leonard Williams entering free agency this week. They are prepared to double down on the questionable move made by general manager Dave Gettleman last October when he sent a 2020 third round pick and a conditional 2021 middle round selection to the Jets in exchange for Williams, whose contract is set expire this week.
They are expected to place either the franchise or transition tag on Williams before the noon deadine on Monday.
Giants expected to place tag today on defensive lineman Leonard Williams, per source. Giants want him back and unwilling to let him leave.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
“There is a strong feeling the Giants will opt to place the transition tag on Williams, which will save them some money and essentially serve the same purpose as putting the franchise tag on him,” wrote the NY Post’s Paul Schwartz. “The transition tag will cost $13.1 million on the 2020 salary cap and ensures the Giants have the right of first refusal on any deal Williams gets from another team. The more-restrictive franchise tag would cost $16.1 million and ensures Williams stays put, as any team signing him would have to give the Giants two first-round picks.”
There’s a little bit of confusion regarding whether if Williams is an interior lineman or an end. Paul is assuming the league is classifying Williams as a defensive tackle. Williams’ agents might argue he’s a defensive end, which will significantly increase the tag values.
The franchise tag value for a DE is $19.1 million and the transition tag carried a one-year hit of $16.1 million making keeping Williams a lot more expensive than expected.
The Giants, once Williams is tagged, can negotiate a long term deal with him which would lessen the annual load on their salary cap.