New York Giants: 5 internal free agents to keep and 5 to let walk away

Number 1

Go – Mike Remmers, LT, UFA (31, $2.5M)

At one time Mike Remmers was a top right tackle in the league. It’s why Big Blue took a flyer on him last summer, to shore up their thin offensive line. Unfortunately, what they got for their $2.5M investment was a shell of the man he once was. Injuries, especially to his back, have taken their toll on the Portland, OR native.

At times Remmers was nothing more than a statue. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley paid a heavy price for the tackle’s inability to block. His NFL career is likely over at this point. Anyone who watched him play last season knows it. Hopefully, Remmers does as well.

Stay – Leonard Williams, DE, UFA (26, $4.66M)

The New York Giants are in almost a must resign position after they acquired Leonard Williams from NYJ at last season’s trade deadline. Gettleman said he made the deal fully intending to offer the defensive end a new contract. So much for strengthening their bargaining position. Keep in mind that in 15 total games played Williams had 0.5 more sacks in 2019 than the man who signs his paychecks, owner John Mara.

It’s unfair to judge Williams solely as a pass rusher. He never has, or likely will be a sack threat. Putting that one aspect aside, there are many other things Williams does well. He’s good at defending the run, plugs gaps along the line, and holds his containment on the outside. Those last two facets are things that help his teammates succeed. The big question is how much does he get from Gettleman?

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There are estimates that the former USC standout could get somewhere between $9-11M average annual value for a four or five-year contract. That is a huge chunk of change for a player who excels at the little things but doesn’t produce much himself. One other theory floating around has to do with Gettleman hedging his bet.

Due to uncertainty about the collective bargaining agreement going forward (the current one expires after the 2020 season), Big Blue puts a “transition tag” on Williams. For a defensive end, that’s worth slightly over $15M for one season. If there is some doubt about Williams’s long-term viability with the Giants, this is the way to go.

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