New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams is sick and tired of losing, and in order to stay entrenched in a negative culture, he’s going to require top money.
And no, that’s not a report or a product of rumors. Rather, Williams is upfront about it and with four games remaining this season, wanted general manager Dave Gettleman to know it’s either a monster deal or no deal at all.
“I know that I want to get a big contract, and I know that I am worth a lot,” Williams told NJ Advance Media. “If I don’t think they’re giving me what I think I’m worth, then obviously I think hitting free agency would make sense. Everything is going to have to match up.
“I definitely think I’m a top-tier interior defensive lineman, in that top percentage of the d-linemen. I wouldn’t say Aaron Donald [level]. But I would definitely put myself up there with a lot of those other top guys.”
Whatever is just shy of “Aaron Donald level” is what Williams expects to be paid. And if the Giants don’t offer it, the two 2020 NFL Draft picks that were used to acquire him are going straight in the trash.
But the Giants will have one advantage — so long as the money is there, Williams would be open to re-signing prior to free agency.
“Yeah, I would be, if I felt like they were offering me something that I think is worth it,” Williams added.
“I like to be committed to where I’m at. I like the fact that the GM and the owner wanted me here. I think it speaks volumes that they were willing to trade for me in a rebuilding year. I think that shows that they want me to be a part of this program.”
Some will argue that Williams has not played well enough to warrant such a contract, and to some degree, it would be difficult to disagree with that sentiment. At the same time, he hasn’t played as poorly as some would suggest, as the Giants have seen their run defense do a complete 180 since Williams’ arrival, while he also leads the team in QB hurries and QB hits over that same span.
Still, Williams seems to be over-valuing himself and setting a bar the Giants won’t be able to reach unless it’s out of sheer desperation. Accordingly, Gettleman’s acquisition of Williams only looks that much worse now.
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