The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2023 trade deadline believing that they had what it took to compete for a Super Bowl. With this in mind, the team mortgaged the future by trading a second-round pick for Leonard Williams, a great player who was set to hit free agency at the end of the season. This move backfired, as Seattle collapsed in the second half of the season and missed the playoffs entirely.

Usually, when a team acquires a player at the trade deadline, they lock said player up with a long-term deal. For example, the Chicago Bears gave up a second-round pick for Montez Sweat and quickly gave him a four-year, $105 million deal. The Seahawks didn’t do this with Williams, and now run the risk of losing him for nothing.

Seahawks “Hope” They Can Re-Sign Leonard Williams, But Nothing Guaranteed
Free agency is still months away, so there is a chance that Leonard Williams and the Seattle Seahawks come to terms on a deal. For what it’s worth, Jeff Howe of The Athletic believes that there is “hope” both sides can make something happen. However, that’s anything but a given, especially considering Seattle’s current salary cap situation.

As of this posting, the Seahawks are currently $800,000 over the 2024 salary cap and already have Dre’Mont Jones signed to a three-year, $51 million deal. With first-year head coach Mike Macdonald leading what will probably be a slight rebuild, can Seattle justify investing in an expensive defensive tackle entering his age-30 season?

Possible Free Agent Destinations
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have the offensive pieces to make it to the Super Bowl, especially since Ben Johnson is sticking around for another season. However, if they want to truly establish themselves as an elite team in the NFL, they’ll need to improve on defense. This unit was well below average last year, and signing someone like Leonard Williams in free agency would go a long way in fixing the team. Aidan Hutchinson is a great player, and adding someone who can collapse the pocket from the inside will make the pass rush considerably more deadly.

Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have the second-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a defensive-minded head coach, and the most cap space in the NFL. All of these pieces combined mean that this team should be able to turn it around quickly and could push for a Wild Card spot as soon as next year. Washington’s defense couldn’t stop anybody last year, so signing Leonard Williams in free agency would not singlehandedly fix the issue. However, Washington has the financial resources to sign Williams without sacrificing their ability to sign other high-impact free agents.

Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are going to do everything they can to keep Justin Madubuike from hitting free agency. However, if they’re unable to retain their homegrown star, then they’ll have to find somebody else capable of creating interior pressure. Leonard Williams isn’t as good as Madubuike, but he could be an adequate replacement in free agency. With playmakers all across the defense, the Ravens should be able to get by with a Pro Bowler like Williams replacing Madubuike.

New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints put all their chips on rookies Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey being able to step up and replace multiple departed starters. That didn’t work in 2023, as both players couldn’t live up to their draft billing. While it’s too early to completely give up on the youngsters, the Saints should invest in a proven veteran capable of getting the job done. While New Orleans is currently well over the salary cap, this team always finds a way to clear cap space so they can sign players like Leonard Williams in free agency.

Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are probably going to lose a lot of veteran talent in the coming months. The team is currently $44 million over the salary cap, but they can clear a lot of space by cutting veterans like Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Mike Williams. If the two pass rushers leave, then the Chargers will need to find somebody capable of getting after the quarterback. Leonard Williams might be the most cost-effective option available in free agency, and he’ll fill a desperate need on a Chargers defense that simply could not stop the run last year.