The reaction to the New York Giants trading for defensive lineman, Leonard Williams, was broad. Some believed he would offer solace to a group that was struggling to force interior pressure and stop the run. However, his influence wasn’t as significant as GM Dave Gettleman had hoped.
While Williams helped the run-defense increase in efficiency, his pass-rushing production was underwhelming. His 0.5 sacks and 11 QB hits in eight games doesn’t justify a big contract. Gettleman caving and offering him big money would a pride-based decision, but the Giants’ GM has proven in the past that he’s willing to cut ties with players he doesn’t see the value in.
Gettleman coughed up a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft. The draft pick they offered this year was a high third-rounder, and if the Giants pass on re-signing Williams, they will recoup a late third-round pick this year.
The logic behind this deal had nothing to do with contention in 2019 and everything to do with finding talent for the future. Testing Williams out in their 3-4 based system alongside Dexter Lawrence and Dalvin Tomlinson seems appealing, but his influence alongside two talented players was underwhelming.
What would the New York Giants do if they pass on re-signing Williams?
One massive negative from the Williams trade was the fact that BJ Hill suffered the consequences. Hill had been playing poorly before the deal, but pulling him from the starting unit and forcing him into a reserve role does not help his progression, especially in a lost season. Using Williams as a rental to test his efficiency at the high cost still doesn’t make any sense. If Gettleman is willing to pay upwards of $14 million for his services, Giants fans should riot without hesitation.
Generally speaking, finding big-men in the draft is a practice the Giants have utilized frequently in the past. I imagine they will draft another defensive lineman this year as well. Finding a reliable run-stopper instead of allocating significant cap-space towards Williams seems like a better idea.