Back when it looked like the Seattle Seahawks might be contenders during the 2023 season, they took a swing near the trade deadline and landed defensive tackle Leonard Williams in a deal with the New York Giants.

At that point, the Seahawks were unexpectedly atop the NFC West as surprise challengers to the San Francisco 49ers.

A playoff campaign did not materialize, the Seahawks finishing 9-8 and third in the NFC West behind both the 49ers and the second-placed Los Angeles Rams. However, Seattle was clearly suitably impressed with Williams, and the Seahawks' new head coach Mike MacDonald was evidently keen to keep him around, as the former sixth overall pick agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the team on Monday.

The deal, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, is worth $64.5 million and carries an average annual value of $21.5 million, the ninth-highest in the NFL among defensive tackles.

It follows a 10-game spell for Seattle in which Williams registered four sacks and 11 quarterback hits.

In that time, Williams had 30 quarterback pressures, 12 more than any other Seahawks defensive lineman across the same period.

Though the Seahawks were not able to squeak into the postseason, Williams clearly proved himself as an impactful force on the defensive front. A natural fit for MacDonald's defense, which should continue to employ a three-man front as predecessor Pete Carroll did, there is reason for the Seahawks to believe Williams can continue to thrive as he did in 2023. 

The money paid to Williams indicates they are ardent in that belief, putting him under significant pressure to vindicate them as the Seahawks eye a turnaround from last season's disappointment.

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