The New York Giants traded veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday in a move that was somewhat expected given Williams’ contract status.
The Giants didn’t get much cap relief as a result of the trade. In fact, they got very little. It is estimated they will only clear $647K of cap space by moving Williams.
They did, however, get a 2024 second-round and 2025 fifth-rounder in the process, so the trade appears worth it. They’re going nowhere this year and Williams is not in their long-term plans. This was a good deal for the Giants.
Who will replace Williams in the defensive line rotation is now the remaining question.
Dexter Lawrence has played 72 percent of the defense snaps followed by Williams at 70 percent, Rakeem Nunez-Roches (34 percent), and A’Shawn Robinson (33 percent).
D.J. Davidson has played 15 percent and rookie Jordon Riley only four percent. Riley has been a healthy scratch most of the season, only dressing for two games. He’s highly regarded by the team and this could be his big break.
It would make sense that Nacho (Nunez-Roches) and Robinson get a small bump in snaps but the real solution will likely come from the Oregon two — Davidson and Riley.
The Giants also have Ryder Anderson on the practice squad. Anderson was a final cut in trying camp this summer.
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