Defensive lineman Leonard Williams admits his offseason goal was to come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension with the New York Giants, but won’t let their collective failures stand in his way this year.
In fact, Williams, who harbors no ill-will towards general manager Dave Gettleman or the team, views playing out the 2020 season on the franchise tag as an “opportunity.”
“I think it’s always a player’s interest to get a long-term deal, but that’s something that will work itself out between my agents and the organization and I’m just happy to be here and play with this team again,” Williams told reporters during a Zoom conference on Friday.
“I wouldn’t say it’s disappointing. I kinda knew the situation that I was coming off of last year and I think it’s actually a good opportunity. I’m looking at it as an opportunity. I’m not looking at it as something that’s bad, I’m looking at it as an opportunity.”
Williams has faced heavy criticism since coming over to the Giants from the New York Jets in a trade late last season, but insists he tunes it all out.
In the same breath, Williams says he will play with a chip on his shoulder this year.
“I don’t let too much outside noise get to me. I kinda just try to work hard and keep the blinders on and keep working and doing what I can do,” Williams said.
“I wouldn’t say I have something to prove necessarily. I think the coaches know and my teammates know what I bring to the table or I wouldn’t be here. I definitely still feel like I’m playing with a chip on my shoulder at the same time. I’m ready to go out here and play the best that I can.”
Williams, who will earn $16.126 million playing on the franchise tag this season, was placed on the non-football injury list with a hamstring issue to start training camp, and while he wouldn’t discuss his injury, but promised he has a lot left in the tank.
“I’m definitely still a young player in this league. I feel like I still have a lot in the tank. And I still feel like like I have a lot of years left in my to play in this league,” Williams said.
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