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Defensive lineman Leonard Williams will sign his franchise tender from the New York Giants, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s not a long-term deal but it buys both parties time until they can come to an agreement.
The Giants now have until July 15 to negotiate a new deal with Williams or have the window of opportunity close until the end of next season.
Giants’ DL Leonard Williams is signing his franchise tender, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2020
Question is whether it will pay him as a DE or DT; Williams thinks he’s the higher-priced DE, Giants think lower-priced DT. Difference is about $1.7 million in price.
By signing the franchise tender, Williams is guaranteed a base salary of $16.1 million in 2020, pending an agreement or new contract. Art Stapleton is reporting that Williams will file a grievance in an attempt to get the defensive end tag amount of $17.8 million.
The Giants acquired Williams from the New York Jets for multiple draft picks about midway through the 2019 season. General manager Dave Gettleman faced criticism for the trade when it happened and many justified it by assuming Williams would be sticking with the Giants for more than just half of a season.
Since being named to the Pro Bowl in 2016, Williams finished with a career-low 0.5 sacks in the 2019 season. It remains to be seen if the 25-year-old will be worth the draft picks moving forward.