Former New York Jets interior defensive lineman Leonard Williams decides he will sign his franchise tag tender with the Giants.
Leonard Williams has made his decision.
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, the former New York Jets first-round selection has decided that he will sign the franchise tag tender offered to him by the Giants.
Breaking: Leonard Williams is going to sign his franchise tag tender with the #Giants, per source.
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 22, 2020
“Breaking: Leonard Williams is going to sign his franchise tag tender with the Giants, per source, Leonard tweeted Wednesday afternoon.
Williams, 25, ends speculation that he would refuse the offer set forth by Dave Gettleman and the Giants organization, the very same that acquired him in a surprising trade-deadline deal last season.
Joe Douglas sent the USC product to the Jets for a 2020 third-round pick and a 2021 fifth-rounder which would turn into a fourth if Williams signed before the league new year (2021). Williams will ride the 2020 season on a franchise tag prior to entering the open market next season.
In eight games with the Giants a year ago, he tallied 0.5 sacks and 26 tackles (2 for loss). With the Jes over seven games (prior to the deal), the Big Cat couldn’t muster a single sack while combining for 20 tackles.
His best season was undoubtedly 2016. That year, he put up 7 sacks and was named to his first and only Pro Bowl.
Uncontroversially, it’s safe to say the sixth overall pick from 2015 has disappointed. Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles graciously accepted what was described as a gift in the form of the “best player in the pool” the very first year they were on the job. It just didn’t work out that way.
He can still be re-signed to a long-term deal. The deadline is July 15 for all franchise tenured players. Barring an unlikely trade, Leonard Williams will remain in New Jersey at least for one more season.
