Leonard Williams Trade Grade: Seahawks Get Better, Giants Get Value

NFC West–leading Seattle beefs up its defensive line, while New York gets second- and fifth-round selections in return.

The Seahawks (5–2) lead the NFC West and made a big move to upgrade their defensive line the day before the NFL trade deadline, sending 2024 second- and ’25 fifth-round picks to the Giants for defensive tackle Leonard Williams.

Williams, 29, is in the final year of his deal. The Giants owed him $18 million in base salary this season. While Seattle would have been paying him the prorated amount of $9.5 million, New York is reportedly paying a good chunk of the cost in return for better draft capital.

So far this year, Williams has recorded 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks along with five quarterback hits and one tackle for loss. Once a household name, he’s fallen off somewhat in production but remains an interior presence who can push the pocket.

Williams has 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks along with five quarterback hits and one tackle for loss this season :: Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports

With the Seahawks, Williams will be surrounded by excellent talent along the line, including Frank Clark, Dre’Mont Jones, Darrell Taylor and Jarran Reed.

While Seattle is giving up a few picks, including a top-60 choice, the move is affordable, considering the past. The Seahwks have been flush with draft selections for years in the wake of sending Russell Wilson to the Broncos, which landed them multiple first-round picks.

Now with a contending team on the rise and a winnable division, general manager John Schneider decided to make a bold move to compete with the Eagles, Cowboys and 49ers in the NFC.

• Seahawks grade: B

The Giants (2–6) understand their season is over after losing an ugly overtime game to the Jets on Sunday.

For general manager Joe Schoen, the rest of the campaign is about evaluating young players and recouping any draft assets for future years. In the case of Williams, eating salary to increase the compensation is a no-brainer.

With Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux up front, New York is well positioned in the future along the defensive line. Schoen can now use these picks to fix what is a horrific offense and perhaps even pair one or both of the selections to move up in next year’s first round if the Giants see an opportunity to land a replacement for quarterback Daniel Jones.

While losing Williams hurts the current roster, it’s an easy decision for the big picture.

• Giants grade: B+