The New York Giants paid a high price to acquire defensive lineman Leonard Williams during the 2019 NFL season. If the organization wants to keep him beyond this year, they’ll have to pay an even higher cost to meet his asking price.
New York Giants, Leonard Williams “not close” on contract extension
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman placed the franchise tag on Leonard Williams early this offseason to ensure he wouldn’t hit free agency. While the move keeps Williams in New York for the 2020 season, discussions on a contract extension aren’t going well.
According to SportsNet New York’s Ralph Vacchiano, Williams is seeking between $18-20 million per year on his contract extension. It’s a price the Giants aren’t willing to come near and both sides aren’t close on a deal.
Williams, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, made the Pro Bowl in 2016 with the New York Jets. However, the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman hasn’t lived up to that honor since. Over the past three seasons, Williams has recorded 7.5 total sacks in 47 games.
Even more concerning for the Giants, he registered just 0.5 sack and two tackles for loss across 15 games during the 2019 season.
Williams’ rumored asking price would make him the third-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL, per Spotrac. Given he hasn’t ever played to that ability, or remotely close, it’s understandable why the Giants wouldn’t meet his demands.
Given this team bid against itself to land Williams at the trade deadline, it still wouldn’t be a surprise if Gettleman overpaid Williams.