New York Giants: Leonard Williams doing everything he can to make him look like a prized free agent target

New York Giants, Leonard Williams
Nov 4, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

There are many ways to drive up the price in free agency if you’re a player, and often, it can be things you do off the field that reflect your mentality. For New York Giants unrestricted free agent, Leonard Williams, he’s watching film with one of the league’s former best players, Richard Seymour.

“I’ve been working with him, assessing what I think his strengths and weaknesses are,” Seymour told ESPN, “and what does he need to do to take that next step to be the perennial All-Pro player that he has the ability to be. He’s 25 years old. He’s young. Athletic. Can run like a deer.”

Seymour had nothing but good things to say about Williams, who apparently “can run like a deer.” I’m not sure what that translates to in English, but 0.5 sacks did not reflect that reality in 2019.

While Williams wasn’t his best self last season, he helped the Giants’ run-stopping game significantly in the second half of the season after being traded from the Jets.

GM Dave Gettleman now finds himself in a tumultuous position — one where he either overpays for a player he gave up a third and fourth-round pick for, or let’s walk and forfeits said picks.

Gettleman has cut ties with players who didn’t perform to expectation before, notably Patrick Omameh, who was cut after just five weeks in his first season of a three-year deal. I don’t anticipate Dave making the same mistake of signing a player who can’t guarantee production in a specific category.

Why the New York Giants could very well sign Williams:

This offseason, both Joe Judge and Gettleman, reverberated their position on stopping the run and its importance. Williams is a talented run stuffer, and that fits the mold they’re looking for in an interior defensive lineman. Reports have recently indicated that Williams is seeking $15 million in free agency, but this rumor is not valid after clarification from the defender himself.

Leonard stated that by placing a number on himself, he would only be hurting his value, so the $15 million valuation is untrue. I anticipate he will only garner money in the $12-14 range.