Everyone is focused on NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen trying to get things done with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley, but there are other important calls on the way for him.
For the 2023 campaign, star defensive lineman Leonard Williams has a $32 million cap hit. This is the biggest on the squad and there’s just no way the G-Men can keep this on the books.
Williams knows there’s a chance Big Blue could part ways with him, which is why he made it clear he’d be open to taking a paycut if it meant it would bring him back to East Rutherford next fall. So, will Schoen restructure his deal or release him to save some dough?
This is pretty significant. Leonard Williams has a $32M cap hit in 2023 that has to be addressed. https://t.co/YWUApq8Ccn
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) January 22, 2023
NY Giants DL Leonard Williams might have to take a pay cut to return next season
After Williams said he’d take a pay cut, he kind of waked things back a bit and said he’d need to speak with his agent. However, this is something that is clearly on Williams’ mind and it’s something Schoen will need to address sooner than later.
"“I try to let things like that play out,” Williams told the media over the weekend. “I believe the plan is the plan and things are going to work out the way they work out. I did my best this year. I fought through injuries and played my hardest. I’m sure I’ll end up somewhere, if not here. I want to play as long as possible.”"
Williams and Dexter Lawrence were an unreal duo this past season, with the latter earning All-Pro honors. Lawrence has without question earned himself an extension. As for Williams, his stats didn’t quite jump off the page, as during the regular season he posted 45 tackles and only 2.5 sacks for Wink Martindale.
From his comments in his end of the year press conference, Williams knows that Schoen can’t have his cap hit be so high coming off a bit of a down year numbers wise. Some fans want Williams back on a lower salary, while others are ready to let him walk.
Schoen will do what’s best for the G-Men, but getting Williams back on the field at the right price would be the best-case scenario for NY.
5 NY Giants players who likely played their final game with the team
There's plenty of tough decisions for Joe Schoen to make this offseason and there's no room for these players on the Giants roster next year.