Sources: Giants Trade DL Leonard Williams to Seahawks
The New York Giants have made a significant trade, sending defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks, according to sources. The Seahawks will be giving up a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round selection in exchange for Williams. The Giants will also take on most of the $10 million owed to Williams.
The trade comes just before the NFL trade deadline, which is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. While the teams have not officially announced the trade, Williams took to Instagram to express his gratitude for being part of the Giants organization and his excitement about joining the Seahawks.
The Giants’ decision to trade Williams comes after a disappointing loss to the New York Jets, which dropped them to 2-6 and last place in the NFC East. On the other hand, the Seahawks are coming off a win against the Cleveland Browns and currently lead the NFC West with a 5-2 record.
The Seahawks have been performing well on defense this season, particularly with defensive linemen Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed. However, they lacked depth behind these players and needed another impact player upfront after losing outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu to a season-ending injury.
This trade for Williams marks a significant deadline acquisition for Seahawks general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll. It is reminiscent of their acquisition of safety Quandre Diggs from the Detroit Lions in 2019.
Carroll, when asked about potential additions before the deadline, stated that they are always looking to compete and make moves if there’s an opportunity. The Seahawks acquired an extra 2024 third-round pick from a previous deal with the Denver Broncos, which helps offset the second-round pick they are sending to the Giants for Williams.
In a previous matchup between the Seahawks and Giants, Carroll praised Seattle’s offensive line for their performance against Williams and Dexter Lawrence, calling them the best interior defensive linemen they would face all season.
For the Giants, this trade signifies their focus on building for the future. Williams was in the final year of his contract and unlikely to return next season due to his high price tag. The team has already committed to Lawrence, making Williams expendable.
Williams is not the only Giants player attracting interest before the trade deadline. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and wide receiver Parris Campbell are also potential trade options. However, the team has assured running back Saquon Barkley that they do not intend to trade him.
This trade marks Williams’ departure from New York after four years with the Giants. He was originally drafted by the Jets in 2015 and was traded to the Giants in 2019. The loss of Williams leaves a significant void in the middle of the Giants’ defense, which had been built around him and Lawrence.
With Williams gone, the Giants’ defense will likely shift its focus to Lawrence and outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who had an impressive performance against the Jets with three sacks.
In his career, Williams has recorded 1.5 sacks this season and 39.5 sacks overall. The trade was first reported by NFL Network.
In conclusion, the trade of Leonard Williams from the New York Giants to the Seattle Seahawks is a significant move that will impact both teams’ defenses. The Seahawks are looking to strengthen their defensive line and add depth, while the Giants are focusing on building for the future. This trade marks a new chapter for Williams as he joins the Seahawks after four years with the Giants.