Report: Giants, Leonard Williams ‘aren’t close’ on new deal
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The New York Giants obviously want defensive lineman Leonard Williams back in 2021 after investing so much into him in recent years, but the two sides have failed to come to a long-term agreement despite continuous talks.
With less than a month remaining until the official start to free agency, general manager Dave Gettleman is up against it to get a deal done. If Williams is able to hit the open market, substantial contract offers are likely to be made potentially thrusting the Giants into a bidding war — something they can not afford with little available cap space.
Although the Giants currently have the upper hand with exclusive negotiating rights, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that the two sides aren’t even close on a new contract.
The Giants will use the next two weeks to try to sign Williams to a long-term contract. A source said that the sides aren’t close to an agreement. But it’s still early, and things can move fast in negotiations.
Duggan adds that despite earlier speculation, Williams will not offer the Giants a hometown discount and would instead prefer to be paid in the range of $20 million to $21 million per season — on par with the likes of DeForest Buckner and Chris Jones.
Yes, Williams has enjoyed his time with the Giants. But don’t expect any hometown discounts. If he signs with the Giants before free agency begins on March 15, they will need to give him an offer in the same range as Buckner and Jones.
Ideally, the Giants wouldn’t use the franchise tag on Williams for the second consecutive season, but if they’re unable to get him to sign on the dotted line, that may ultimately turn out to be their only choice.
