The New York Giants are running out of time to take advantage of the leverage they hold over interior defensive lineman, Leonard Williams. General manager Dave Gettleman traded for Williams from the New York Jets midway through the 2019 season, and the defense for Big Blue saw an uptick in run stopping efficiency after the deal was completed.
The Giants forfeited a third-round pick in 2020, and if they re-sign Williams after the new league year begins in eight days, the give up a fifth-round pick as well. If he re-signs before, it’s a fourth-round pick.
Most believe that Williams will remain with the Giants moving forward, as Gettleman and new head coach Joe Judge are keen on stopping the run and injecting diverse defensive lineman into the trenches.
With the franchise tag deadline coming on Thursday, teams like the giants have to make critical decisions, specifically with situations like Williams.
Over eight games with Big Blue last season, the former Jet compiled 26 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and two passes defended. His ability to draw double teams allows the outside linebackers to face one on one matchups.
The New York Giants and Williams are not close to solidifying a deal:
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has indicated that the Giants and Williams are not close to a contract extension. He mentions that the tag is a possibility, but so is letting him hit the open market. If the market is strong on Williams’s behalf, the Giants will not overpay for his services. I previously estimated that he would earn somewhere in the $12-13 range per season, but it seems like he could land upwards of that number if he hits the market.
The #Giants have an interesting decision to make late this week: Do they franchise tag star DL Leonard Williams? Sources say the two sides are not close on a contract extension and Williams will have a strong market. The tag is a possibility, but so is letting him hit the market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2020
Gettleman has also reportedly been intrigued by Auburn’s Derrick Brown in recent weeks, as he fills a similar role to Leonard — a big run-stopping defender who can also put pressure on the quarterback. If they let Willims go in free agency, Brown could quickly become a consensus selection for the Giants at No. 4, or in a trade-back scenario.