Entering the 2023 offseason, the New York Giants’ salary cap situation was improved from a year earlier. However, with a need for continued improvement on the roster, Leonard Williams’ long-term spot on the team was, and still is, in question.
Williams’ substantial cap hit in 2023 makes him a prime candidate to have his contract reconstructed. In fact, Williams carries the third-highest cap hit across the entire NFL. He is a great player but the Giants would love to free up some cap space and continue improving the roster.
Despite Big Blue reportedly showing “no interest” in an extension for Williams thus far, he has made it clear he wants to remain with the Giants long-term and keep playing alongside Dexter Lawrence.
“There hasn’t been many talks about it this offseason. I’m obviously open to staying here. I think I have a good camaraderie with my teammates. I would love to keep playing with Dex. I would love to keep playing with these coaches that I’ve gotten to know,” Williams told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’m also not one of those type of players that wants to bounce around team to team. I want to be able to be here. Been through the grind and the struggle of being with the Giants since I’ve been here, coming out on the good end, eventually getting a ring with them.”
In January, Williams expressed willingness to take a pay cut to remain in a Giants uniform. General manager Joe Schoen later jokingly thanked reporters for getting that out of The Big Cat.
Thus far, however, nothing has been done and it doesn’t seem like anything will be done. The future of Williams in East Rutherford will likely be settled after the coming season.