EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants will not let free agency determine whether they get to keep Leonard Williams.
The team announced it has placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the standout defensive tackle, who had the finest season of his six-year career in 2020. It is the second consecutive year Williams has received the franchise tag.
Williams is the second player the Giants have tagged twice. Another defensive linemen, Jason Pierre-Paul, was tagged in 2015 and 2017. But he never signed the franchise tender 2015 and it was rescinded after he suffered serious injuries in a fireworks accident on July 4. Williams could become the first Giants player to twice receive a tag and sign his franchise tender.
Williams, 26, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent a week from tomorrow, the start of the NFL's new business year. A franchise tag is basically a one-year deal that grants a window to negotiate a long-term contract. If there is no contract agreement before July 15, Williams will play the 2021 season under the one-year deal, which is what he did last season. His salary would be a calculation based on the average of the top five salaries from his position or 120% of his previous year's salary, whichever is great.
The move gives the two sides time to negotiate a long-term contract, though Williams is free to negotiate with other teams when the free agency signing period begins. But if Williams signs a contract with another team, the Giants will receive two first round draft choices as compensation.
Given his production last season, Williams would likely be a coveted free agent target.
View photos of defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
New York Giants' Leonard Williams, right, sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Service members at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
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New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
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New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) celebrate a play in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) runs around the edge as Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) blocks during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) gets set at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) tacklesPhiladelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) (26) during an NFL football game Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Monday December 9th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Miami Dolphins running back Patrick Laird (42) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) during an NFL football game Monday December 9th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive linemen B.J. Hill (95), Dexter Lawrence (97), Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and Leonard Williams (99) lead the team onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) stands in the tunnel before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Md (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) stops Miami Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin (37) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59), defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) look on during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams (99) warms up before an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday Dec.1 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Packers defeated the Giants 31-13. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) points to fans as he leaves the field after an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) reaches for New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams (99) rushes toward New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a Monday Night NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday November 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) motions after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts after tackling Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) react after the Dallas Cowboys scored a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) during a regular season week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 17 regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a missed field goal during a week 14 regular season Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday December 9th, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) during a regular season week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (8) during a week 6 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on October 18th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams during the 2020 production photo shoot at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 8, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Tae Crowder (48), Leonard Williams (99), Niko Lalos (57), Isaac Yiadom (27), Madre Harper (45), Darnay Holmes (30), Austin Johnson (98), David Mayo (55)
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a week 1 regular season Monday Night football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a week 1 regular season Monday Night football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge fist bumps New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) attempts to block a PAT during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams during the 2020 production photo shoot at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 8, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder (48) make a tackle during a week 6 regular season football game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium onOctober 18th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams during the 2020 production photo shoot at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 8, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) runs onto the field at halftime during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 37-34. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) gestures during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates after a defense play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) celebrates after a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
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New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) rushes during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Eagles 27-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake (41) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams, left, reacts next to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Freddie Swain (18) after a play during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Jabrill Peppers (21) reacts with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (Michael Owens via AP)
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New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 in Landover, Md. The Giants defeated Washington 23-20 (Amanda Bowen via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: Chicago New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) tries to embrace the sounds of an empty Soldier Field during in action NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants on September 20, 2020 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Te Bates via AP)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams, right, celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady Monday Nov. 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a game against the LA Rams team on October 17, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) displays the New Quest patch during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) throws shirts to the fans following training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before a week 11 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday November 22nd, 2021 in Tampa, Florida
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) flexes during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Leonard Williams talks to high school football players after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before a week 18 football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday January 9th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 14 football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California.
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) watches from the sideline during a week 16 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 26th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) stands with Don Wink Martindale during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before a week 16 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 26th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 8 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday November 1st, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a game against the Carolina Panthers on October 24, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Williams' team-leading 11.5 sacks were the most by a Giants' player since Jason Pierre-Paul's 14.5 in 2014 and were 7.5 more than any of his teammates, 4.5 more than his previous best total (in 2016) and 11.0 more than he had in 2019. He was third in the NFL with 30 quarterback hits and tied for sixth with 14 tackles for loss. Williams was fifth on the Giants with 57 tackles (29 solo).
In the season's final five weeks, Williams was twice named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
He was first honored following the Giants' 17-12 defeat of the NFC West champion Seahawks in Seattle on Dec. 6. Williams tied his then career high with 2.5 sacks – all in the second half – for 25.5 yards and was credited with five of the Giants' 10 pressures of Russell Wilson. In the third quarter, Williams sacked Wilson for a 15-yard loss to help force a Seattle punt. Midway through the fourth quarter, Williams teamed with Jabaal Sheard for a 5-yard sack. And with the Seahawks trying to drive for the go-ahead touchdown, Williams sacked Wilson for a 10-yard loss on third down with 48 seconds remaining, all but ending Seattle's chances to win the game.
The NFL again cited Williams following the Giants' season-ending 23-19 victory against Dallas on Jan. 3. In that game, he had a season-high seven tackles (five solo), a career-best 3.0 sacks for 20 yards, five quarterback hits and two critical pressures in the Giants' 23-19 victory. With 1:53 remaining, the Cowboys had a first-and-goal at the Giants' 7-yard line when Williams sacked Andy Dalton for a 10-yard loss. Two plays later, on third down from the 17, Williams pressured Dalton into throwing a pass that floated into the end zone, where rookie safety Xavier McKinney made a game-saving interception.
Williams, the sixth overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Jets, was acquired by the Giants on Oct. 29, 2019 for a third-round selection in the 2020 draft and a fifth rounder this year.
Williams, 6-5 and 302 pounds, has played in 95 career games with 87 starts for the Jets and Giants. His career totals include 323 tackles (164 solo), 29.0 sacks, 131 quarterback hits, 48 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven passes defensed and one interception.
