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The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a major coup in the NFL free-agent market by securing Leonard Williams for three more seasons.
The
star
defensive tackle
will earn $90 million
, including at least $56 million
in guaranteed money, according to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
This extension allows Seattle to retain one of the most influential players on its defensive line. Williams was originally set to test the free-agent market after next season, but the Seahawks chose to act quickly to secure his services for the long term.
With this new deal, Williams becomes the fifth-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL
. He ranks behind Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles, Quinnen Williams of
the
Dallas Cowboys
, Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, and Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs.
His star status, however, isn't solely tied to his contract. Over the summer, an ESPN survey of NFL executives, scouts, and coaches named him the league's best defensive tackle
.
A Cornerstone of Seattle's Defense
The Seahawks acquired Leonard Williams in October 2023, while he was playing for the New York Giants. To secure the veteran, Seattle sent a second-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025.
Since his arrival, Williams has quickly established himself as a key part of the defense. Last season, he recorded 33 tackles and seven quarterback sacks—statistics that earned him a Pro Bowl selection for the third time in his career.
This contract extension thus confirms Leonard Williams' importance to the Seahawks' plans. By investing heavily in their star defensive tackle, Seattle is banking on his experience, power, and ability to continue making a difference at the heart of its defense for years to come.
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