2019 NFL trade deadline retrospective: Win-now vs. rebuild
By Ian Higgins
Leonard Williams to the New York Giants
Jets receive: 2020 3rd & 2021 5th round pick
Giants receive: Leonard Williams
In the first-ever trade between the two New York franchises, a premier 3-4 defensive lineman has been sent to the NFC for lackluster draft capital.
The Jets looks to reload around Sam Darnold, but will likely leave him to suffer behind a porous offensive line. Jamal Adams is now left only with C.J. Mosley and Quinnen Williams to anchor an already struggling Jets defense. 2019-2020 has become a throwaway year to get rid of these teams ‘ghosts’ and look to the future.
The Giants have just found the perfect pairing alongside rookie Dexter Lawrence. A new and improved defensive front signifies a 3-4 front with a focus on stopping the run. The Giants will not have any playoff success this year, but with a (hopefully) improved Daniel Jones next year and quality defense, New York will have a quality team again.
The winner of this trade hinges on the return of Leonard Williams this offseason during free agency. The Jets believe they were unlikely to bring back Williams, so they made the right decision and shipped him off for whatever assets they could get in return. If the Giants can keep Williams, they have just gained a key piece for a young defense.