One of the top priorities for Seahawks general manager John Schneider this offseason will be re-signing defensive lineman Leonard Williams to a new contract. While Seattle’s salary cap situation is far from pretty, they have to find money to pay Williams if literally nobody else on the roster right now.
Good news on this front, according to a report by Jeff Howe at the Athletic, there is hope that the two sides can hammer out an extension.
“Defensive lineman Leonard Williams played well enough for the Seattle Seahawks after they acquired him at the trade deadline, and there’s hope the sides can reach a contract extension, according to a league source.”
Williams was the team’s best defensive player in the second half of the season after coming over from the Giants at the trade deadline. Williams will be 30 years old by the time next season starts, but for some players that’s only a number – and he looks like he can be a highly-effective defender for several more years. It may take some steep roster cuts to get there, but we believe the Seahawks will be able to retain him.
On the other hand, Seattle should be embracing a youth movement and there’s a case against handing out any huge new contracts this year. If they allow Williams to leave in free agency they’ll end up with a high comp pick in next year’s draft – of which they have zero in 2024.
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