Seattle Seahawks Extend Contracts, Eye Leonard Williams Deal

The Seattle Seahawks have been active in issuing contract extensions this offseason, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Derick Hall receiving new deals to remain in the Pacific Northwest. However, all eyes are on Devon Witherspoon and his situation to see if the Seahawks get an extension done before the 2026 NFL season starts. ESPN's Aaron Schatz believes the Seahawks should prioritize reaching an extension with veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who is entering the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Williams, who turns 32 on June 20, is still playing at a high level, with seven sacks last season and was named second-team All-Pro in 2025. According to ESPN Research, he has drawn a double-team on 66.6% of pass-rush snaps, fourth among all interior defensive linemen. Williams was a key player for the Seahawks last season, playing 810 total snaps, leading to a 75.3 overall PFF defensive grade. The Seahawks' front office has shown it can make difficult decisions by letting several key players from its Super Bowl-winning team move on to greener pastures, including Coby Bryant, Kenneth Walker III, Riq Woolen, and Boye Mafe. Despite the national media focusing on the Los Angeles Rams due to their offseason moves, Williams noted that he's fine with most overlooking Seattle as a repeat Super Bowl champion. Williams believes the team has a chip on its shoulder, even after winning the Super Bowl, and is not considered favorites, which could motivate the team. The Seahawks will need to decide whether to extend Williams' contract, which would mean holding on to a leader on the defense, or let him walk in free agency. Williams has integrated himself into the city and is a key part of the team's defense, which is arguably the best in the league. It will be interesting to see whether the Seahawks can get a deal done that works for both sides, ensuring the team can keep this type of leader. The team's front office knows it can't keep everyone and will need to make tough decisions, but keeping Williams would be a priority for the Seahawks. Williams' contract situation will be a key storyline to watch as the Seahawks prepare for the 2026 NFL season.