New York Giants have had preliminary talks with Leonard Williams

New York Giants, Leonard Williams
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-17. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The New York Giants have had preliminary talks about a contract extension with Leonard Williams’ camp, per source.

As the source also noted, Williams is weighing all of his options, which includes listening to other teams once the free-agent period begins in March, but there is definitely a possibility that an extension could get done with the Giants before he hits the open market.

While the Giants have expressed that they want him back, they first need to figure out their tight salary cap situation with Williams and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, both pending free agency. The team is hoping to retain both players and could potentially use the franchise tag on Tomlinson as they did with Williams a season ago.

As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, the Giants will put forth their best effort to re-sign Williams this offseason, and if it doesn’t work out, Williams will have plenty of suitors.

After an underwhelming 2019 campaign, Williams is coming off the best season of his career, where he recorded 11.5 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, and 14 tackles for a loss in 16 games playing on the one-year franchise tag worth $16.126 million.

Following his productive season where he thrived in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s system, the 26-year-old is set up for a significant payday, whether it be with the Giants or elsewhere.

However, as Williams stated in his exit interview, it’s never been about the money, but more so earning respect, which he did last season.