The New York Giants have made it clear Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley isn’t available at the NFL trade deadline. Near the bottom of the standings, however, there are NFL trade rumors floating regarding another star player on the Giants’ roster.
New York has been one of the most disappointing NFL teams in 2023. Coming off its first playoff appearance in years, injuries have plagued the Giants’ offensive line. Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones has regressed and the Giants’ defense had been one of its biggest weaknesses until Week 6.
Related: Latest injury update on New York Giants QB Daniel Jones
The results have had a significant influence on reports regarding New York’s approach to the NFL trade deadline. Barkley doesn’t want to be traded and the team has committed to keeping him. However, regardless of the results on Sunday, it appears the Giants are at least open to selling specific pieces.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, NFL teams believe the Giants would be willing to trade Leonard Williams if the draft-pick compensation is high enough. While New York would prefer to keep its standout defensive lineman, his contract status makes a trade possible.
Williams carries a sizable $32.26 million cap hit this season, in large part thanks to an $18 million salary. The 29-year-old defensive lineman will become a free agent in 2024, with a void year next season costing the Giants $5.96 million.
- Leonard Williams stats (career): 162 QB hits, 59 tackles for loss, 39.5 sacks in 131 games played
While the Giants would prefer to keep Williams long-term, the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman is expected to have a lucrative market in free agency. Since entering the league as the sixth pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams has made the Pro Bowl and recorded 38.5 sacks.
While it’s unknown what specifically New York would want for Williams, they wouldn’t be trading him at the best time. Entering NFL games today, Williams has a 66.1 PFF grade, which ranks 43rd among defensive tackles.
It’s possible the Giants find a trade partner, especially with the trade market thin on impact defensive linemen. With that said, blockbuster trades are typically rare this time of year and New York might set an asking price that no team is willing to meet for a half-season rental.
