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Kevin Williams reportedly left New Jersey Tuesday night without signing a contract with the New York Giants. The five-time All Pro, 34 next season, is looking for a new team after 11 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
The fact that Williams did not sign with the Giants, who lost Linval Joseph in free agency, does not mean that he won't become a Giant eventually. Williams told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that he had a "good visit" with the Giants, but that it was "different" -- a sentiment you might expect for a player who has played for only one team since Minnesota made him the ninth overall selection of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The Giants were apparently the first team to express interest in Williams since the Vikings told him they weren't bringing him back. "I knew eventually a team would reach out and show interest," Williams told the Star-Tribune.
Williams also told the Star-Tribune that he would like to continue playing, but "football isn't everything."
Williams made a base salary of $4.9 million in 2013, the final year of a seven-year, $42.89 million deal in Minnesota. The Giants, per Spotrac, have $3.09 million left under the 2014 salary cap. The economic reality for Williams is that there are not a slew of teams lining up for his services and to continue playing he will likely end up having to accept a contract at or near the veteran minimum.
Williams played 15 games for the Vikings last season. The numbers -- 733 snaps played, 3.5 sacks and a +7.3 Pro Football Focus grade -- indicate he still has something to give as part of a rotation.
Whether he ends up giving it to the Giants we will just have to wait and see.