The Seattle Seahawks have been highly satisfied with the contributions of defensive tackle Leonard Williams since acquiring him via trade in 2023. During his three-season tenure in Seattle, Williams has earned two Pro Bowl selections and played a crucial role in securing the franchise’s Super Bowl title.
Consequently, the Seahawks are retaining the 32-year-old defender. On Thursday, the organization reportedly finalized a three-year contract worth $90 million with Williams, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported that an agreement on a fresh contract between Williams and the Seahawks was imminent. According to ESPN, the new extension includes a guaranteed sum of $56 million.
Ever since the New York Jets selected him sixth overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams has established himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in football. He came in third in the Rookie of the Year balloting in his debut season and secured his inaugural Pro Bowl nod the next year.
As the franchise struggled, the Jets dealt Williams to the New York Giants midway through 2019. During his inaugural complete campaign with the Giants, he achieved a personal best of 11.5 sacks, despite missing out on a Pro Bowl selection.
He put together several strong years with the Giants prior to being traded to the Seahawks during the 2023 campaign.
Following an encouraging 10-game stretch with Seattle to close out 2023, Williams truly excelled the next year, accumulating 11 sacks and capturing his second career Pro Bowl honor.
He backed up that campaign with a seven-sack performance in the subsequent regular season, once more receiving Pro Bowl honors. This dominant display also garnered Williams a spot on the All-Pro second team.
Furthermore, Williams was vital to the franchise’s championship run, recording one sack, three hits on the quarterback, and a total of 10 tackles across their three postseason matches.