The Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms on Monday to re-sign star defensive end Leonard Williams to a three-year deal that averages $21.5 million per year, according to a source. Williams began last season with the New York Giants before being traded to the Seahawks, where he excelled in 10 games, recording 41 tackles (24 solo), four sacks, nine tackles for loss and 11 QB hits. The former sixth overall pick by the New York Jets in 2015 out of USC will stick around under new defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald in Seattle for his first full campaign with the team in 2024. The 29-year-old has high draft pedigree but has only recorded double-digit sacks once, when he came up with 11.5 sacks in 16 games (12 starts) with the G-Men back in 2020.
Defensive lineman Leonard Williams played well enough for the Seattle Seahawks after they picked him up at the trade deadline last year, and there's hope that the two sides can reach a contract extension this offseason, according to a league source. Seattle traded a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round selection to the New York Giants for Williams. The second-round pick will be the 47th overall pick for the G-Men. Williams, the former sixth overall pick by the Giants in 2015 out of USC, had 41 tackles (24 solo), four sacks, nine tackles for loss and 11 QB hits in 10 games last year after coming over from New York. Retaining him for 2024 and beyond would be a big win for new defensive-minded head coach Mike MacDonald in his first year with the team.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. The 29-year-old played his usual role during last week's game, but must've suffered an ankle injury during the contest. Now, Williams appears uncertain for the Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since being traded to Seattle, Williams has 18 tackles and three sacks in six games. The former first-round pick is still an impactful player despite his below average season he's having in 2023. His absence would be a blow to the Seahawks pass rushing defense.
The Seattle Seahawks are finalizing a trade to acquire Pro Bowl defensive lineman Leonard Williams from the New York Giants on Monday in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a fifth-round selection in 2025. The out-of-contention Giants will receive a couple draft picks and will gain some more financial flexibility with Williams off their books. Williams had career-highs in quarterback hits (30), tackles for loss (14) and sacks (11.5) in 2020, but his numbers have taken a dip since then and he has only five QB hits and 1.5 sacks through seven games so far in 2023. The 29-year-old pass-rusher could fare better in Seattle's defensive scheme the rest of the way. Williams has an $18 million base salary this year and is in the final year of his contract.
The New York Giants are in a tight salary cap situation, and defensive tackle Leonard Williams could be a candidate to be cut before the season starts. Williams, who is entering his ninth season, made 11.5 sacks in 2020, his first full season with the Giants. He is scheduled to make $18 million this year, which is the final year of his contract, and the Giants have shown no interest in restructuring and extending him, per The Athletic's Dan Duggan. If the Giants cut Williams before the season starts, they would save $18 million in cap space. Giants GM Joe Schoen said earlier this year that they will consider their options as they approach the season. The Giants also have not shown interest in extending cornerback Adoree Jackson prior to the start of the season, but he is not a cut candidate and could play his way into an extension.
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (knee) has returned to Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The stud pass rusher exited during the third quarter due to an undisclosed knee issue. It seems like Williams was dealing with cramps or a minor injury. He is back on the sideline with his helmet and ready to get back into action. Fantasy managers who are using the Giants defense can breathe a sigh of relief.
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (knee) was forced to exit early during Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The 28-year-old exited with the medical staff due to an undisclosed injury. It sounds like it could've been a cramp, so hopefully he won't miss the rest of the game. This will certainly be a blow to the Giants defense.
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (knee) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The 28-year-old hasn't played since Week 2 due to a lingering knee injury. Although, it sounds like Williams is finally healthy and ready to make an impact on the Giants defense again. He finished with 81 tackles and 6.5 sacks through 17 games last season. The Giants defense will get a major boost with Williams back in the mix for this contest.
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers in London. He was limited in practice all week long and entered the weekend with a "questionable" designation. The 28-year-old logged seven tackles through his first two games in 2022 before missing Weeks 3 and 4. Now, his return will be delayed yet another week.
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams (knee) is officially inactive for Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. The 28-year-old has totaled seven tackles through just two games this season. Jihad Ward and Nick Williams will take over for Williams during Sunday's matchup against a weak Bears offense.
