Latest Leonard Williams Update Proves Giants Really Blew it in Trading for Him
By Jerry Trotta
There were a myriad of lopsided trades in the NFL last season, and it's fair to say that the New York Giants decision to send a third- and fifth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for unproven defensive lineman Leonard Williams was among the worst of the bunch.
Not only did Williams predictably fail to be worth the price of admission with his play on the field, but he's now reportedly making absurd demands in contract negotiations with the Giants. According to Raul Vacchiano of SNY, the former No. 6 overall pick is seeking a deal in the $18-20 million per year range.
An update on the Leonard Williams contract situation, per @RVacchianoSNY: Talks started late last season; The two sides are “not close” on a deal as LW is “seeking a deal worth $18-$20M per season”. The deadline is July 15th.
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) July 4, 2020
Horrible situation the #Giants put themselves in.
That salary would make Williams one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the league. For context, Aaron Donald, who earns $22.5 million annually, is the game's richest defensive lineman. It's almost disrespectful to mention the Los Angeles Rams world-beater in the same breath as the 2016 Pro Bowler, and that's not an exaggeration.
The thing is, Leonard Williams is making $16.1M guaranteed a 1-year franchise tag. So there’s no reason for him to take a long term deal that isn’t at least paying him at least $32 million guaranteed. https://t.co/agff3EcSGp
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) July 4, 2020
This is general manager Dave Gettleman's mess to sort out, and we all know that he loves nothing more than proving a point, but even he isn't stubborn enough to acquiesce to Williams' outlandish demands. Still, there's no denying that this was an easily avoidable debacle for the Giants and it hasn't taken long to blow up in their face.