Report: Giants not close to deal with Williams, tag a possibility

The New York Giants and impending free-agent defensive tackle Leonard Williams aren't close to a contract extension, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

New York using the franchise tag on Williams is a "possibility," reports Rapoport, who adds that a strong market waits for the veteran if he hits free agency.

The Giants traded a third-round pick and either a fourth- or fifth-rounder in 2021 to the New York Jets for Williams prior to last season's trade deadline.

With Williams only under contract for 2019 and the Giants in rebuild mode, some criticized general manager Dave Gettleman's costly move, calling it shortsighted.

Williams, the No. 6 pick in 2015 who made the Pro Bowl in 2016, struggled to make an impact for both New York teams last campaign. He didn't record a sack while notching only 20 tackles in seven contests for the Jets before posting half a sack and 26 tackles in eight games with the Giants.