The New York Giants have placed the franchise tag on defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
Giants expected to place tag today on defensive lineman Leonard Williams, per source. Giants want him back and unwilling to let him leave.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Since Williams is classified as a defensive tackle, he will make just over $16 million this year.
Williams was acquired via trade from the Jets midway through the 2019 season when the Giants gave the Jets third- and fifth-round picks for the rights to the former Pro Bowler. The fact that the Giants gave up two mid-round draft picks for Williams was an indication that they weren’t planning on letting him walk away.
Williams’ numbers have steadily gone down the past few years, most notably his sack totals going from five in 2018 to just one-half in 2019. Playing on the tag will give Williams a year to prove he deserves a long-term deal and also give the Giants a year to see if he is worth the money he will be asking for. Williams was a Pro Bowler back in 2016, so we will see if he can get back to that level of play this year.
The two parties will have until July 15 to come to terms on a long-term deal.
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