The Giants surprised most by trading for Leonard Williams at last year’s deadline, and the team will not let the former top-10 pick hit free agency. Big Blue is expected to use its franchise tag on Williams, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
While this qualifies as one of the more interesting tag decisions in recent years, this will allow the Giants to minimize the trade haul they will send to the Jets. The Giants only have to deal third- and fourth-round picks to the Jets if they extend Williams by the start of the new league year. A Giants franchise tag, instead, means Gang Green will only receive third- and fifth-rounders, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY confirms (via Twitter).
Williams has a Pro Bowl on his resume, but the 2015 No. 6 overall pick has not lived up to expectations. He registered merely a half-sack in 2019 and posted just two tackles for loss in his season with both New York teams. This move will either cost the Giants $17.8MM — if Williams is tagged as a defensive end — or $16.1MM (the defensive tackle price).
A Williams tag also may impact the Giants’ prospects at landing one of the top non-tagged outside linebackers on the market. They are rumored to be interested in Jadeveon Clowney but reportedly not willing to authorize a top-market contract for the former No. 1 overall pick.
I like Williams but a franchise tag seems excessive for him
Compounding his mistake by using the franchise tag is unacceptable. Would have been ok with the transition tag which would, have been around 13mm, but using the franchise tag at DE is ridiculous.
This is a panic move by Gettleman to save face for a bad trade.
This.
Hey. Why. Of double down on your mistake. Never should have traded for him. My stupid team.
Lol wow If bleeping up were a crime he’d be doing life without parole.
Gotta make sure you protect those 0.5 sacks from leaving
So instead of cutting bait and looking at the draft to improve, you franchise a career underachiever? As a Jets fan I was glad to see him go. Nice to see the Giants spiraling downward instead of Gang Green for a change.
They are crazy and maybe the think no one else wants to sign with them
WHY??????