Leonard Williams To Earn At Least $16.1 Million On Franchise Tender With Giants

Leonard Williams is about to receive a giant payday from the New York Giants. The only question now is just how much.

On Wednesday, the 25-year-old defensive tackle signed his franchise tender for the 2020 season, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Williams stands to make at least $16.1 million in 2020, but he might end up receiving more.

But as ESPN's Adam Schefter noted, Williams' 2020 pay comes down to which position he gets paid for. If he were designated as a defensive end, he would receive $17.9 million.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that Williams is going to file a grievance, hoping to be considered a defensive end so that he can earn $17.9 million instead of the $16.1 million for a defensive tackle.

It remains to be seen what Leonard's official 2020 pay will be, but the main point here is that he's returning to the Giants, where the 2016 Pro Bowler can hopefully regain his top form.

Ahead of the 2019 trade deadline, the Giants acquired Williams from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2020 third-round draft choice and a 2021 fifth-rounder that could turn into a fourth if Williams signs another contract with his new team.

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Williams struggled during the 2019 season, recording only half a sack (which game with the Giants). He turned heads in his 2016 sophomore season after recording seven sacks and two forced fumbles, but Williams hasn't topped five sacks in a single year ever since.

The Giants have endured plenty of changes in the offseason. They hired New England Patriots special teams coordinator Joe Judge as their new head coach before signing veteran cornerback James Bradberry and standout do-it-all linebacker Blake Martinez in free agency.

New York will have another chance to bolster their defense at the 2020 draft, which runs from Thursday to Saturday. But a breakout year from Williams would especially go a long way in helping the Giants defense turn a corner next season.

 

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