Leonard Williams played quite well for the New York Giants after being acquired in a trade from the New York Jets last season. And while most would like to focus on his sack numbers — or lack thereof — the analytical data suggests Williams is one of the best interior pass rushers in the game.
That, of course, is why Giants general manager Dave Gettleman traded for Williams in the first place, and why he hit the talented defensive lineman with the franchise tag as the two sides discuss a long-term contract.
Despite that, Nate Davis of USA TODAY believes that Williams is very much on the hot seat entering the 2020 season, adding him to a list of 20 players who were recent first-round picks but are now under the most pressure.
20. New York Giants DL Leonard Williams: Selected sixth overall by the Jets in 2015, he made the Pro Bowl in his second season and appeared to be a cornerstone player. However he was dealt across town midway through last season, yet didn’t sign an extension with the Giants, who wound up tagging Williams in March. Always more effective against the run than as a pass rusher (17½ career sacks), Williams’ market could be tricky – whether he opts to stay with the Giants or tests free agency next year – and he’ll likely need to apply a lot more pocket pressure to approach DeForest Buckner or even Trey Flowers money whenever he returns to the negotiating table.
Williams was quick to sign the franchise tag and has offered no public indication that he’d like to leave East Rutherford or test free agency in 2021.
Rather, Williams’ representatives and Dave Gettleman had been in contact prior to the coronavirus pandemic (and possibly since) and there was optimism a long-term deal would be done prior to the start of the regular season.
If the Giants and Williams don’t hammer out a long-term deal, then the defensive lineman will be under the same amount of pressure as any other player entering the final year of their contract.
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