Giants sign Leonard Williams to monster three-year extension

The Giants are bringing back defensive end Leonard Williams on a massive three-year extension.

The New York Giants did finish 6-10 in 2020, but appeared to play with some new energy under first-year head coach Joe Judge. That was great news for GM Dave Gettleman as he looks to hold down his job after three straight losing seasons.

One big move Gettleman did make was trading for defensive end Leonard Williams during the 2019 season. The former New York Jets first-round pick got hit with a franchise tag in 2020 and it was placed on him again earlier this month.

That now appears to have been just a formality as Williams got paid Tuesday.

Leonard Williams get a massive extension to lead the Giants defense

This is some great work by Williams’ agents. He is getting $45 million guaranteed on a three-year deal and could make up to $63 million.

Williams was taken No. 6 overall by the Jets back in 2015. He made the Pro Bowl the following season but was traded in 2019 and likely seen as a bust by plenty of Jets fans. Then came last season when he had 11.5 sacks. His previous career-best was seven.

The defender is still only 26 years old and now stands out as a premier piece on Judge’s defense. The Giants may not even be done with big moves because they are a rare team with cap space during this unique offseason.

The hope in New York is that last year was not a fluke for Williams. He had a total of 0.5 sacks in 2019 between the Jets and Giants and some fans may have thought the trade was insane in the first place. But the franchise was patient and the former top pick had a career-year as a result.

This deal could end up looking like a bargain if Williams only gets better in 2021.