Giants tag Leonard Williams again

The New York Giants placed their franchise tag on defensive lineman Leonard Williams for the second straight season, the team announced Tuesday.

Both sides will continue to work toward a long-term deal, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The 26-year-old has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association over his position designation as it relates to the tag, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Williams played on the defensive tackle tag last season but reportedly wants to be classed as a defensive end, which would push the worth of his 2021 one-year tender from $19.4 million to $21.4 million.

Players tagged for two years in a row get a 120% increase over their previous tag number.

Williams was set to be the marquee free-agent defensive lineman of what's expected to be a weak class at the position. He had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2020.

The Giants acquired Williams from the New York Jets for a third- and fifth-round pick in October 2019.

The NFC East team will have until July 15 to come to terms with Williams on a long-term contract. If not, he'll once again play under the fully guaranteed one-year tender.

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