Deadlines make deals: Franchise tag edition

What to watch for today as the deadline for reaching agreement with players on the franchise tag approaches.

Leonard Williams, DT, New York Giants

(Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Franchise Tag Salary: $16.126 million

Status: The New York Giants traded for Leonard Williams prior to the trade deadline last season, and in eight games Williams produced 20 quarterback pressures and 14 quarterback hurries, where were the best among New York defensive linemen over his stretch of play. Having sent the New York Jets a third- and a fifth-round pick for him, you would think the organization would want to make sure they keep him in the fold. But this is how organizations sometimes tie their hands behind their own back. Having made such a commitment to him, in terms of draft capital, letting him walk in free agency would be almost disastrous. But are you willing as an organization to give big money to a player who really has yet to live up to his first-round hype?

The Giants might not have any other choice.

Prediction: Extension reached.