Fansided

30 highest-paid NFL players on their current contracts

By Rucker Haringey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 03: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs yells out against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 03: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs yells out against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Leonard Williams, New York Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 29: Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants reacts during the game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on August 29, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

26 (tie). Leonard Williams

Williams picked a great time to have the best pass-rushing season of his career. Logging 10.5 sacks during the 2020 season prompted the Giants to hand him a 3-year, $63 million deal to keep him in the fold.

The fact that Williams is also an excellent run stopper helps explain New York’s decision to make a big bet on his breakout season. Even when Williams isn’t getting to the quarterback, he’s helping stop opponents from running the ball successfully up the middle.

The former Southern Cal standout uses his massive 6-foot-5, 302 pound frame to neutralize opposing linemen at the point of attack. He’s just the sort of player Giants’ GM Dave Gettleman loves to deploy along his defensive front.

In the end, Williams is a terrific talent who has a chance to make this deal pay off for New York. It was a clear overpay in the context of last year’s free agent market, but if he racks up double-digit sacks again then no one will question the move in hindsight.

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