Seattle Seahawks reportedly re-sign Leonard Williams (thankfully)

While most of the rest of the Seattle Seahawks defense seemed to struggle in the second half of 2023, Leonard Williams did not. In fact, the rest of the team should be ashamed that Williams was traded to Seattle midway through this past season, and then while Williams maintained excellence, many other players appeared to have started their offseason early. Plus, under new head coach Mike Macdonald, Williams could have a special season if he returned to Seattle this offseason.

Thankfully, the team reportedly (via NFL.com's Ian Rapoport) re-signed Williams Monday to a contract that will pay him an average of $21.5 million a season over three years. In 2023, Williams had 54 total pressures, split between the first part of his season with the New York Giants and then with Seattle. 32 of the pressures came in his 10 games with the Seahawks. He also had 21 run stuffs for Seattle.

Williams, who will turn 30 years old before next season, has been a metronome of excellence since he entered the league in 2015. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the defensive lineman has received very good to great overall grades. While he has been slightly better in run defense, he is still an extremely productive pass rusher. In other words, Williams has no real weaknesses.

Seattle Seahawks re-sign defensive lineman Leonard Williams

The expectation in 2024 is that under Macdonald Seattle's defensive line is much better. Bringing Williams back is great, but Dre'Mont Jones should also be much improved. If Jones is anywhere near as good moving forward as general manager John Schneider thought he would be when Schneider signed him last offseason then having Williams and Jones could form one of the best duos on a D-line in the NFL.

Schneider also planned well to have Williams return. In the week leading up to free agency, the Seahawks shed bloated contracts. Releasing safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, tight end Will Dissly, defensive tackle Bryan Mone, and special teamer Nick Bellore while re-working deals for receiver Tyler Lockett and quarterback Geno Smith got the team to where they had as much as $55 million in cap room.

Williams' deal also won't mean Seattle can't go after other high-quality free agents as well. Schneider has been good at front-loading contracts so there is still room to spend and Williams' contract will likely be structured the same way. Either way, Seattle needed Williams back and fortunately, he is.

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