Giants trade Leonard Williams to Seahawks
The New York Giants are trading Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, according to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Williams is one of the biggest trade splashes of the season as the NFL trade deadline quickly approaches. The Giants sold the anchor of its interior defense to the Seahawks who are looking to return to the playoffs.
Williams is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Giants have put themselves in a tough financial situation after handing out massive contracts in the offseason. This begins with Daniel Jones‘ massive contract. On top of that, the Giants gave Dexter Lawrence a four-year, $90 million deal and Andrew Thomas a five-year, $117.5 million deal.
After handing out significant amounts of money, the Giants signed Saquon Barkley to a one-year deal. That will make him a free agent in the offseason.
The Giants’ financial situation would have made it difficult for the team to bring back Williams. It would be even more problematic if they re-sign Barkley. After a 2-5 start, it would not make sense for the Giants to keep Williams for the season if they did not intend to keep him long-term.
As for Seattle, the team is off to a great 5-2 start and seems poised to return to the playoffs. It never hurts to bolster your defensive line and adding Williams is an outstanding way to accomplish that. Additionally, the Seahawks signed veteran edge rusher Frank Clark. It is evident the team is looking to have a stout defensive front as the season progresses.
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