On Sunday, as New York Giants players packed up their lockers and prepared to head into the offseason, members of the media hit defensive lineman Leonard Williams with an unexpected question.
Given his base salary of $18 million and total cap hit of $32.26 million in 2023, would he potentially consider a pay cut to remain with the Giants?
It was clearly something Williams had not considered but given that he was on the spot, he offered a genuine answer.
“I love this team and I want to play for them for sure. And I want to play alongside Dex for as long as possible,” Williams said. “I would probably consider (a pay cut). I definitely love this team and I want to be here.”
The question and subsequent answer satisfied general manager Joe Schoen, who has to maneuver several large contracts and potential re-signings this offseason.
“I just saw that before I came down here that he would be interested in taking a pay cut. You guys did a good job on that, whoever asked him that. He didn’t mention that in the exit interview with us,” Schoen told reporters with a laugh.
Retired Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes saw right through all the GM speak and was left with a facepalm over Williams’ admission.
Schoen saying things like “good player” & “played well” about free agents.
It is a negotiation tactic. They won’t say “he’s great or elite” as agents will use that against them when negotiating.
Leonard Williams saying he would take a pay cut has already been brought up. 🤦🏻♂️
— Lᴀᴡʀᴇɴᴄᴇ Tʏɴᴇs (@lt4kicks) January 23, 2023
How much Williams’ answer will come back to haunt him remains to be seen, but it’s probably a good thing that he followed it up with a comment about discussing it with his agent.
