NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provided an update on any pending contract talks between the Giants and defensive lineman Leonard Williams on Monday.

The outlook continues to look bleak.

Per Rapoport, the Giants and Williams remain a long ways away from meeting a deal before the NFL's March 16 tampering period (when teams and free agents can start talking) unless things change "dramatically." Because of that, RapSheet added that the use of the franchise tag is something the Giants are discussing... but he says no decision has been made in regard to using it.

"The most important thing here is, the Giants and Leonard Williams are not close to a deal, on either a long-term extension or short-term extension," he reported.

"[Using the franchise tag] is a possibility. It hasn't been firmly decided by the Giants, but at the very least, they are discussing, should they tag him? Or should they let Leonard Williams test the market?" Rapoport added.

SNY's Ralph Vacchiano previously did a deep dive on both possibilities. Following the NFL combine, Vacchiano said the "general feeling" around the NFL is that Williams might get a "rude awakening" in free agency this year and might have to settle for a one-year deal.

In addition, SNY reported on Feb. 25 that the Giants could use the franchise tag, but it might be a battle in itself. Williams has played both defensive end and defensive tackle for the Giants and Jets in his career. Last season was no different. That designation is about a $2 million difference between the two positions.

Naturally, the Giants would want to save dollars on the salary cap and tag Williams for the cheaper tag total of a DT. On the flip side, Vacchiano has reported that Williams would file a grievance against the Giants, claiming he deserves the DE tag.

Not a simple solution in sight for Big Blue.

Popular in the Community