The Seahawks were one of the teams that made a significant addition at the trade deadline, acquiring Leonard Williams from the Giants. He is set to become a free agent, but talks on a Seattle deal will take place.
The Seahawks did not pursue an extension with Williams in the aftermath of the trade, something that often takes place when teams spend notable draft capital on a player. Seattle sent New York a second-round pick in this year’s draft along with a 2025 fifth-rounder for Williams, whose contract was restructured to facilitate the deal. The former top-10 pick played in 10 games with the Seahawks, recording four sacks and 41 tackles.
As a result of his play, Williams could be a prime candidate for a short-term deal and Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports there is “hope” he and the Seahawks can work out an agreement. Williams inked a three-year, $63M deal with the Giants, and his next contract will likely check in at a lower price than that. Still, the 29-year-old proved in his audition period that he could be a productive contributor, and he could generate a notable market if he reaches free agency.
The Seahawks are currently projected to be over the 2024 salary cap, although they and all other teams will make several cost-shedding moves in the coming weeks. Improvement along the defensive front will be a key priority for new head coach Mike Macdonald and Co. after Seattle ranked 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed. Keeping Williams on a new contract would thus be a logical move to pair with a D-line addition in free agency or the draft.
On the other hand, the Seahawks already have Dre’Mont Jones attached to the three-year, $51M deal he signed last offseason. Jones is set to carry cap hits of $18.18M in 2024 and $23.18M the following year, so retaining Williams on a lucrative pact of his own would leave considerable resources tied up along the defensive front. In any case, the sides will at least explore extending their relationship in advance of the new league year in March.
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