Report: Giants, DL Leonard Williams Not Close On Contract Extension

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The Giants acquired defensive lineman Leonard Williams in a trade with the crosstown rival Jets back in October. With his contract now up after the 2019 season, it was a foregone conclusion the team would re-sign Williams to a long term deal.

New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov 4, 2019; at MetLife Stadium.Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

They gave up a third-round pick and a conditional 2021 fifth-rounder that becomes a fourth if the Giants re-sign Williams before the start of the new league year.

But as NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, Williams and the Giants are not close on a contract extension, per sources. Rapoport says that the franchise tag is also a possibility for Williams, but New York could allow him to test the free-agent market.

The #Giants have an interesting decision to make late this week: Do they franchise tag star DL Leonard Williams? Sources say the two sides are not close on a contract extension and Williams will have a strong market. The tag is a possibility, but so is letting him hit the market.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2020

In eight games with the Giants in 2019, Williams compiled 26 tackles, half a sack and two passes defended.

The deadline for teams to use the franchise tag is Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.