Leonard Williams rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-17. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 08: Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on November 08, 2020, in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

1. New York Giants

This list would not be logical if the New York Giants were not ranked first. Williams was a massive piece to that team’s surprisingly sound defense under Patrick Graham. The team was ninth in the fewest points allowed (357) and surrendered the 12th-fewest yards (5,589).

Most of the team’s success and almost playoff push was due to the defense. More specifically, because of the play from Williams and fellow linemen Dexter Lawrence and Davlin Tomlinson. Those three accounted for 19 total sacks. Nearly half of the team’s 40 total sacks.

Williams played his best football under Graham with the Giants, so it is hard to imagine he would want to leave that. Dave Gettleman gave up quite a bit to get him from the Jets in 2019, so he will probably be hard-pressed to ink Williams long-term.

The Giants’ cap situation will require some maneuvering, and Gettleman will have a few big decisions to make. However, Williams should be relatively easy. He will not be a cheap re-signing, but he is a critical piece to bring back. Currently, Spotrac.com has Williams’ market value set at $11.2 million a year with a contract value of around $56 million for five seasons. At age 26, turning 27, that is not a terrible potential deal.

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Tomlinson is also due to be a free agent, but he seems redundant with Lawrence. Bringing back Williams to pair with Lawrence is ideal. You never want to see a guy who accounted for 11.5 sacks walk out the door. If the price is not too ridiculous, the Giants seem to be the best fit.

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