New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams appears to be headed toward free agency, but he’s not waiting to sign a big contract before he gets to work on improving himself.
Williams sought the help of retired New England Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour last week, meeting up at his Atlanta home to go over game film and identify some of the weaknesses in the 25-year-old’s game.
“I’ve worked with guys in the past — not so much on-the-field work, but just mentality, mindset,” Seymour told ESPN. “Here’s the thing: In my mind, anybody can be good if they have a certain amount of talent. But what I try to give guys is the mindset of what it takes to be great, and to be great consistently. To develop a mentality over the course of your career. I’d say Leonard has all the tools for what it takes to be great.”
It hasn’t clicked for Williams just yet. Rather, he’s viewed as a fringe player who is still somewhat one-dimensional based solely on sack numbers alone.
“I’ve been working with him, assessing what I think his strengths and weaknesses are, and what does he need to do to take that next step to be the perennial All-Pro player that he has the ability to be. He’s 25 years old. He’s young. Athletic. Can run like a deer,” said Seymour.
“My heart has always been whatever I can do to lend a hand to the young group of talent in the league, I’m willing to do that.”
Williams, who initiated the contact with Seymour, intends for these film sessions and workouts to continue for at least the next several months.
Soaking up knowledge from the đ himself @BigSey93! Thanks so much for your time my guy! Humbled đđž pic.twitter.com/0wWq17fCIE
— Leonard Williams (@leonardwilliams) February 11, 2020
“I respect the hard work of guys that come in the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh round, but it’s different when you are the guy and have to perform at that level, basically with a target on your back the whole time and live up to that. And exceed expectations,” Seymour said.
“I’ve been telling him, it’s really about competition. Competing. And hanging around and being around people who have the same mindset, being in that environment all the time. It helps in terms of what you’re trying to accomplish.”
There had been some reports that Williams was seeking $15 million annually from the Giants, but he’s since come out and shot those rumors down. Still, he’s likely to command a substantial pay day and given their previous investment in acquiring him, the Giants will have no choice but to play ball.
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