The New York Giants have been very public about their desire to sign defensive lineman Leonard Williams to a long-term contract, but they’ve been unable to reach a deal for nearly two years running.

With the official start to the 2021 league year looming, the Giants opted to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Williams for the second consecutive year with the idea that it will serve as a placeholder. And in recent days, the two sides have continued negotiations.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that they remain somewhat far apart on terms, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Giants remain “committed” to getting something done because they view Williams as their future.

“Leonard Williams is a clear priority for the New York Giants,” Rapoport said. “The two sides have had communication over the last couple days to try to get together on a long-term deal. I don’t sense that it’s close right now, although the Giants are pretty committed to Williams for the future.

“And it does seem like it would be something where he would want to stay in New York as well. And why wouldn’t he? He had a career year in New York last year after being traded from the New York Jets.”

General manager Dave Gettleman & Co. would ideally like to get a deal done no later than Wednesday, which represents the official start to free agency. With so many needs and little cap space to speak of, trimming Williams’ 2021 salary and cap hit would allow more flexibility when it comes to targeting other players.

“They haven’t come together on a number yet, but if they are able to do a deal before Wednesday then it would give the Giants significant salary cap room to potentially go out and add another player. Maybe a big-time receiver or maybe a pass rusher. Something else to help the either the offense or to help whoever is next to Leonard Williams,” Rapoport said.

“It would make sense to do a deal, they just have not come to terms on an agreement yet.”

A lot can happen in a short amount of time, so expect news on a long-term contract to heat up over the next 24 to 48 hours.