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Leonard Williams sees ‘good opportunity’ amid Giants uncertainty

He’s there. That’s where he wants to be, he says.

How long he’s been here, well, good luck with that. For now, that’s the 2020 vision of Leonard Williams, a tough defensive tackle traded by the Jets to the Giants, instantly becoming as polarizing a trade as one can imagine.

The Giants’ thinking process went as follows: bring the young defensive lineman in good health, acclimate him into the system and, if all goes well, secure him with a multi-year overtime.

The reality of the situation unfolded as follows: Williams was a nice but low impact addition, the Giants knew they wanted to keep him and did so with the franchise tag for $ 16.1 million. The offseason has come and gone, no new contracts – not even the suspicion of a new contract – have materialized and Williams is set to embark on his first full season with the Giants, with a whole new staff. of coaches to learn and impress.

“I think it’s always in the player’s best interests to make a long-term deal, but it’s something that has worked out between my agents and the organization,” Williams said on Friday. “I’m just happy to be here, to play for this team again and to learn more about the guys I’ve been with since last year. ”

Leonard williams
Leonard williamsRobert sabo

On October 28, the Giants were 2-6 midseason when they sent a 2020 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick to the Jets, bringing Williams, the No.6 selection back to the Jets. 2015 NFL Draft Total. The deal was not done with short-sighted goals. Williams was only 25 at the time (he is now 26), and the Giants saw him as a game on their defensive line.

Surprisingly, it never got to the point where negotiations never opened, let alone came close or stalled. The Giants have expressed interest in a multi-year extension to Williams’ camp, but there has been no response. Perhaps Williams’ side realized that the two teams were not going to agree on the player’s worth. The Giants weren’t going to throw an extravagant contract offer at Williams, who would essentially make an offer against themselves.

“I wouldn’t say it was disappointing,” said Williams. “I kind of knew the situation I was coming out of last year. I think it’s actually a good opportunity for me. I see this as an opportunity. I don’t consider this to be bad. I see this as an opportunity. ”

It’s an opportunity for Williams to make a lot of the change this season and try to increase his value, as he hasn’t just finished a season to open the coffers and break the bank. In seven starts with the Jets, Williams had 20 tackles, five quarterback hits and no sacks. Williams in eight starts for the Giants had 26 tackles, 11 quarterback hits and a half-sack. It wasn’t the kind of production that put Williams in a strong position when it came to contract negotiations.

“I wouldn’t say I have something to necessarily prove,” Williams said. “I think the coaches know that and my teammates know what I’m bringing or I wouldn’t be there. I always 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 I can. I’m not looking to the future or the next offseason or what will happen in a year. ”

In the here and now, Williams occupies a prominent place in the defensive scheme. He is expected to start on a three-line with Dalvin Tomlinson and Dexter Lawrence, providing the rock-solid running defense he exhibited in his first five seasons in the NFL. Williams has never missed a game in his career, so he has durability and youth on his side.

Williams went to his first training camp with the Giants and was quickly put on the non-football injury list with what is considered a mild hamstring issue.

“I’m definitely making progress and doing my best to hang out with my teammates,” said Williams.

New head coach Joe Judge was everything to keep Williams. What happens this season will determine the length of the football relationship.

“I don’t let too much outside noise get through me,” said Williams. “I’m just trying to work hard, keep the blinders on, and keep working and doing what I can do.”

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