The New York Giants, led by general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Joe Judge, have been very public about their desire for defensive lineman Leonard Williams to remain in East Rutherford long-term.

The two sides attempted to negotiate a new contract last year but failed to come to an agreement, leading Williams to play out the 2021 season on the franchise tag. This year, they are again actively engaged in contract talks but as of late February, were said to be far apart.

However, the Giants continue to match their public stance on Williams with their private one. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports that the team has told Williams point-blank they want him back in 2021 and beyond.

The Giants want Leonard Williams back. They have told him that. He likes it in New York, too. They just have to make the money work.

Working out the money will be the trickiest part. Because the league’s salary cap ceiling is somewhat uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and guaranteed to be lower than it was a year ago, the Giants are somewhat cash-starved.

On top of that, Williams continues to wait on the NFLPA to settle a grievance over his position, which would impact the cost of a second franchise tag and potentially make him more expensive as a free agent. The Giants also have just a few more days to decide if they want to use the franchise tag as a placeholder or not.

It’s a precarious position for both the Giants and Williams. However, each sides appears to want to make things work and that should give fans some faith that something will get done.