Giants Trade Leonard Williams to Seahawks in Deadline Deal
Giants Trade Leonard Williams to Seahawks in Deadline Deal
In a significant NFL trade deal, the New York Giants are sending defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks, multiple sources have confirmed. The trade comes on the eve of the NFL trade deadline.
As part of the trade, the Seahawks are giving up a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round selection to the Giants. The Giants will continue to be responsible for most of the $10 million owed to Williams.
This trade comes after the Giants lost a hard-fought game in overtime to the New York Jets, leaving them at 2-6 and in last place in the NFC East. In contrast, the Seahawks are having a solid season, improving to 5-2 after a victory against the Cleveland Browns, making them the leaders of the NFC West.
The Seahawks' decision to acquire Williams is driven by the need for more defensive depth. While they have seen strong performances from Dre'Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, they lacked depth beyond these two players and veteran Mario Edwards. The recent loss of outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu to a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 7 added to their urgency.
Notably, this trade represents the most significant deadline acquisition for the Seahawks since adding safety Quandre Diggs from the Detroit Lions in 2019, underlining their commitment to bolstering their roster.
The Seahawks do not have any more draft picks remaining from the Russell Wilson trade with the Denver Broncos in 2022. However, they had acquired an extra 2024 third-round pick in a previous trade with Denver during the April draft. This additional pick helps offset the second-round pick they are sending to the Giants for Williams.
Leonard Williams, who was in the final year of a three-year, $63 million contract signed in 2021, is among several Giants players who have garnered trade interest ahead of the deadline. The Giants, who are facing difficulties, may continue to make additional moves as they look to secure resources for the future. It's worth noting that the team recently informed running back Saquon Barkley that they did not intend to trade him. Cornerback Adoree' Jackson and wide receiver Parris Campbell are also being considered as potential trade options.
The Giants initially acquired Williams in a trade with the New York Jets in 2019 under the previous regime led by Dave Gettleman. However, the team's fortunes have changed since then, with the Seahawks now considering themselves NFC contenders.
Leonard Williams' departure leaves a notable void in the heart of the Giants' defense, which had been built around him and Dexter Lawrence in recent years. The Giants will likely shift their focus to Lawrence and outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has been in impressive form, registering 8.5 sacks this season.
Williams, with 1.5 sacks this season and a total of 39.5 in his career, embarks on a new chapter in Seattle, marking a significant change in his career.
