Carolina Panthers: 4 free agents for wish list on defense in 2021
By Dean Jones
LEONARDWILLIAMS. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. NEW YORK GIANTS. DL. 3. player. 31
Carolina Panthers Target No. 3: Leonard Williams (DL)
Leonard Williams is a formidable presence on the line of scrimmage. And although his play has regressed somewhat in recent years. There is nothing to suggest he cannot find another gear in a contract year for the player.
Williams was traded to the New York Giants midway through the season by the New York Jets. The former No. 6 overall pick is versatile enough to play end or tackle on the defensive front. And this ability to turn out in multiple positions is something that the Carolina Panthers sought heavily during free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft.
The player is a force to be reckoned with against the run. He is a big body to shift off the block. And Williams is also adept at getting to the quarterback when required.
The Carolina Panthers might need to replace veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short next spring. The Pro Bowler is set to count $20.83 against the team’s salary cap in 2021. And this sort of financial commitment might see the player moved on at a saving of around $9 million.
Putting Williams alongside No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown has endless potential in a 4-3 base scheme. He will make $16.1 million with the Giants in 2020 after he was placed on the franchise tag. Spotrac projects the player to command an annual salary of $8.2 million on a five-year, $41.31 million deal. And this is something that Carolina could afford if they identify him as someone of interest.