New York Giants franchise defensive lineman Leonard Williams

Posted March 16, 2020 7:00 am

By TOM CANAVAN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The New York Giants have placed a nonexclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams.

The Giants announced the move on Monday, just two days before the former first-round draft choice was to become an unrestricted free agent.

A franchise tag allows the two sides to work on a long-term contract. If there is no contract agreement before July 15, Williams will play this coming season under the one-year deal. His salary will be a calculation based on the average of the top five salaries from his position, expected to be around $16 million.

Williams is free to negotiate with other teams when the free agency signing period begins Wednesday. If he signs a contract with another team, the Giants will receive two first round draft choices as compensation.

New York acquired Williams from the Jets for two draft choices on Oct. 29 '“ a third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft and a second choice that is a conditional fifth-rounder in 2021.

Williams is the first Giants' player to receive a tag since another defensive lineman, Jason Pierre-Paul, in 2015.

Williams played in eight games with five starts for the Giants. The former University of Southern California player had 26 tackles, a half-sack, two tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, two passes defended and a forced fumble.

The Giants also made a qualifying offer to placekicker Aldrick Rosas, a restricted free agent.

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2019, file photo, New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams reacts during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Football NFL NHL Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.