EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The New York Giants have placed a nonexclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams.
The Giants announced the move on Monday, just two days before the former first-round draft choice was to become an unrestricted free agent.
A franchise tag allows the two sides to work on a long-term contract. If there is no contract agreement before July 15, Williams will play this coming season under the one-year deal. His salary will be a calculation based on the average of the top five salaries from his position, expected to be around $16 million.
Williams is free to negotiate with other teams when the free agency signing period begins Wednesday. If he signs a contract with another team, the Giants will receive two first round draft choices as compensation.
New York acquired Williams from the Jets for 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 is the first Giants’ player to receive a tag since another defensive lineman, Jason Pierre-Paul, in 2015.
Williams played in eight games with five starts for the Giants. The former University of Southern California player had 26 tackles, a half-sack, two tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, two passes defended and a forced fumble.
The Giants also made a qualifying offer to placekicker Aldrick Rosas, a restricted free agent.
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