There hasn’t been much progress between the Giants and Leonard Williams yet, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic (on Twitter). Ideally, the Giants would like to hammer out a deal before the start of the tampering period on Monday. 
A new deal for Williams could reduce his 2021 cap hit, giving the Giants some sorely needed flexibility with the reduced cap. As it stands, Williams is set to earn $19.35MM in 2021, a 20% pay raise over last year’s franchise tag.
[RELATED: Giants Want To Re-Sign Tomlinson]
Last year’s tag raised a lot of eyebrows; Williams responded by dropping jaws. In 2020, he posted a career-high 11.5 sacks, plus 14 total tackles for loss and 30 quarterback hits. Now, Williams is looking for a long-term deal to match his performance. That’ll likely cost around ~$20MM per annum.
The Giants have until mid-July to work out a long-term deal with Williams, but they have an increased sense of urgency with free agency on the horizon. The Giants want to go shopping for help at wide receiver, edge rusher, and other key positions, but they don’t want to do it on a shoestring budget. In turn, Williams’ camp has been happy to slow-play negotiations.
The extra room would also help the Giants to retain their own free agents, including fellow defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson. Tomlinson graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 25-ranked interior defender in 2020. Now, he’s in line for multi-year deal worth $8MM-$10MM per season.
Williams at 16 million a year is an overpay, I would rather sign Tomlinson and then a vet like Tampa did with suh. But not going to happen, we also need a 1 wideout and a pass rusher.
Not worth it. I would rescind the tag, then resign Tomlinson, and go after the pieces they mentioned in free agency,
Raiders, chargers would love to have this guy
Thanks captain obvious!
Agreed. These moves never pan out especially after the walk yr. I think Gallman goes and we will miss him. Would take Van noy on the cheap
He’s the kind of guy who gets paid and disappears
Why? Cuz he’s black?
RACIST
What would make you say that about him? Do you know him?
No he was nonexistent for 3 years in green and when he’s ready to hit fa he suddenly pops. Seems fishy to me.
Nothing fishy here. Williams has always been a solid blue collar type player but unless your Aaron Donald you can’t be a dominate player without support around you. Jets never provided Leonard with any support.
Williams’ first year he had Wilkerson and Richardson around him. And those were the elite years that the Jets got out of each before their work ethics dropped off. Richardson bounced back inCleveland, of course, but knock on Williams with the Jets was always his work ethic. Maybe he has changed and will pay off on a new deal, but until he does there is plenty of doubt surrounding that possibility. That race comment was intentionally inflammatory and that guy knows why he typed it.
I agree
Tomlinson should have a lot of teams after him.
They couldn’t negotiate last year as well…. He wants to break the bank…. How are they able to accomplish him and Tomlinson is anyone’s guess….