EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants announced the team has placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams, a former first-round draft choice for whom they sent the Jets 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 was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday, 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 2020 season under the one-year deal. His salary will be a calculation based on the average of the top five salaries from his position.
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 Wednesday. But if Williams signs a contract with another team, the Giants will receive two first round draft choices as compensation.
Williams is the first Giants player to receive a tag since another defensive lineman, Jason Pierre-Paul, in 2015.
Williams, 6-5 and 302 pounds, is a disruptive defender against both the run and pass. He played in eight games with five starts for the Giants and had 26 tackles (13 solo), a half-sack, two tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, two passes defended and a forced fumble.
Williams had a season-high five tackles in the Jets' season opener vs. Buffalo and in each of the Giants' games against Philadelphia, including a season-best five solo stops in Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 9.
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)



DL Leonard Williams (99)

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

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)


New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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.



DL Leonard Williams (99)



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)


Leonard Williams (99)

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)

DL Leonard Williams (99)




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)

Leonard Williams (99)

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)

Leonard Williams (99)

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

Leonard Williams (99)

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


Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Kyler Fackrell (51)


Leonard Williams (99), Kyler Fackrell (51)


Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Jabaal Sheard (91)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Carter Coughlin (49)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)



Austin Johnson (98), Leonard Williams (99)


Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Devante Downs (52), Blake Martinez (54), Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Devante Downs (52), Blake Martinez (54), Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)


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)



DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)




Leonard Williams (99), Jabrill Peppers (21), Madre Harper (45), Montre Hartage (36), Julian Love (20),

Logan Ryan (23), Leonard Williams (99)

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

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99)


DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)


DL Leonard Williams (99)

Dexter Lawrence (97), Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Azeez Ojulari (51), Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

Dexter Lawrence (97), Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

DL Leonard Williams (99)

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

New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99)

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
The sixth overall selection in the 2015 draft, from USC, Williams has played in 79 career games with 75 starts. His career totals include 266 tackles (136 solo), 17.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six passes defended.
Williams, 25, combined with 2017 second-round draft choice Dalvin Tomlinson, 2018 third-round selection B.J. Hill and 2019 first-rounder Dexter Lawrence to give the Giants a talented quartet of young defensive linemen.
The Giants also made a qualifying offer (a second round tender) to placekicker Aldrick Rosas, a restricted free agent.
Franchise, transition tags in Giants history:
- Jumbo Elliott (franchise player) in 1993.
- Carl Banks (transition player) in 1993.
- Howard Cross (transition player) in 1994.
- Rodney Hampton (transition player) in 1996.
- Brandon Jacobs (franchise player) in 2009.
- Steve Weatherford (franchise player) in 2012
- Jason Pierre-Paul (franchise player) in 2015

Giants App
Download the Giants' official app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices