Dave Gettleman: Leonard Williams is “a piece you can build around”

Giants general manager Dave Gettleman broke his silence about the historic trade with the Jets in which the Giants acquired defensive lineman Leonard Williams in exchange for a 2020 third-round pick and a 021 conditional fifth.

In an interview granted to the team's website shared with the team’s season-ticket holders and then released on the team website a day later, Gettleman gushed about Williams’ skill set and what he brings to the defensive line rotation.

“It gives us a really strong inside defensive tackle rotation,” Gettleman said. “We’re very happy with our defensive tackle group, but you’re always looking to get better. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Defensive tackles line up closer to the quarterback than defensive ends.”

The acquisition of Williams marks the first trade that was completed by the two stadium neighbors, but the second time they’ve attempted to do business. In 1983, the Giants traded center Chris Foote to the Jets for a draft choice, but that deal was nullified when the Jets released Foote six days later.

Historical significance aside, Gettleman liked the 6-foot-5, 302-pound Williams’ durability and believes that he can be a part of the team’s long-term plans.

“It’s a great add for us moving forward because you have to build this thing brick by brick,” Gettleman said.

“We have one of the youngest teams in the league, and this for us is a very strong add. It’s a process. This is a talented young football player who we can add to the other talented young kids that we have."

Gettleman revealed that he initiated the trade talks with Jets general manager Joe Douglas. After both men worked out the parameters, they each sought the sign-off from their respective team’s ownership before making the deal.

In Williams, the Gettleman said the Giants are getting a versatile player who is capable of playing every down yet who is different enough in his skill set than the other players they have on the defensive line.

“They’re all different,” he said. “Dalvin is a powerful point of attack run player. Leonard is a little more linear, but he’s long. Him, Dexter, and B.J. all have run-pass ability. While the style of play has evolved, you have to do the same basics.

"You have to run the ball. You have to stop the run because if you don’t stop the run, you’re not getting to third and long. You’re not getting to obvious passing downs. This gives us a real strong rotation. You just roll them in and out, which makes it very difficult for the opposing team.”

As for the future—Williams will be an unrestricted free agent after this season—Gettleman sounds like someone who has already made up his mind regarding whether to re-sign Williams.

“We gave up a three and a five,” he said. “Our goal is to sign him long-term. He’s only 25-years-old. And obviously talented. He’s a piece you can build around.”