Giants DL Leonard Williams inks non-exclusive franchise deal
By TOM CANAVAN - Apr. 22, 2020 08:01 PM EDT
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2019, file photo, New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams reacts during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2019, file photo, New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams reacts during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, Fle)
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New York Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams has signed his non-exclusive franchise tag.

The Giants announced the signing on Wednesday, a day before the NFL draft. The team placed the franchise tag on Williams on March 16.

Williams will earn a salary in the 2020 season based on the average of the top five salaries from his position. The two sides can negotiate a long-term contract during the season.

The Giants acquired Williams on Oct. 29 from the Jets for two draft choices, including a third-round selection on Friday and a fifth-round choice in 2021.

The 25-year-old Williams played in eight games for the Giants with five starts. He had 26 tackles, a half-sack, two tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, two passes defended and a forced fumble.

The sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Southern California, Williams has played in 79 games with 75 starts. He has 266 tackles, 17 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and six passes defended.

The Giants' defensive line for next season is led by Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, B.J. Hill and Dexter Lawrence, a first-round choice last year.

New York posted a 4-12 record last season. It has the No. 4 overall pick in the draft.

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