New York Giants: Leonard Williams states he didn’t ask for $15 million per season

A media frenzy occurred after New York Giants’ interior defensive lineman, Leonard Williams, reportedly stated that he was seeking at least $15 million per season in free agency. There’s little evidence to prove that Williams is worth that much, as Over The Cap has him valued at about $7.5 million on the open market. This report has him asking for double that amount, but since it was released, Williams has stated himself that it’s not true.

SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano claimed that Williams and his representation were asking for that amount, but here’s the proof from the source.

Williams was traded from the Jets to the Giants midway through the 2019 campaign, and his production did take a minor upswing. With Gang Green, he recorded just five QB hits over seven games, and in five starts with the Giants, he managed 11.

The Giants’ run-defense also improved significantly, but an uptick in pressures and run-stopping doesn’t justify a $15 million valuation, and it was false to begin with.

The former first-round pick stated that it would be foolish to put a price on his head, as it would essentially be capping his worth. However, I anticipate he will be valued in the $10-12 million range. If the Giants feature a hybrid system that incorporates a 4-3 scheme, Williams would function as a rotational piece, or it would force Dexter Lawrence and Dalvin Tomlinson to the sidelines.

I prefer to extend Tomlinson, who will be considerably cheaper than to add Williams on a big-deal. Allocate the money towards a premium pass-rusher and utilize BJ Hill more prominently on the interior. Hill showed he could produce in his rookie season back in 2018, as he racked up 5.5 sacks and eight QB hits.