Leonard Williams confirms ‘conversations’ with Seahawks about new deal

Seattle Seahawks star defensive lineman Leonard Williams said he’s had “a few conversations” with the team about a new deal, but is focused on preparing for the upcoming season.

Salk: Leonard Williams is a superstar, and we don’t talk about it enough

Williams, 32, is entering the final season of a three-year, $64.5 million contract. The three-time Pro Bowler signed that deal in March 2024 after arriving in Seattle via a 2023 midseason trade with the New York Giants.

“There’s been a few conversations, but nothing set in stone,” Williams said Tuesday. “I think we’re all focused on the season starting right now, and we know that that’s towards the end of the season. We have time to figure that out when the time comes.”

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Williams has excelled in Mike Macdonald’s defense over the past two seasons. He’s totaled 18.0 sacks over that span, the most among all NFL defensive tackles.

Earlier this month, Williams was named the No. 1 defensive tackle in ESPN’s annual position group rankings, which factor in surveys of league executives, coaches and scouts.

Williams’ current deal has an annual average value of $21.5 million, which ranks 14th among interior defensive linemen. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter reset the market on Tuesday when he agreed to a four-year, $152 million extension that averages $38 million per year.

“I try not to think about it, honestly,” Williams said of a potential new deal. “I’ve always been that type of guy. I’ve had a lot of contracts at this point in my career, and I’ve always noticed players that really focus on their contract end up not playing well. They end up having their head in the wrong place.

“I’ve noticed that when I just focus on being where I’m at, focusing on my team and how I can get better individually, things always tend to work themselves out.”

In 2024, Williams piled up 11.0 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, along with a 92-yard pick-six and three pass deflections. He followed that with 7.0 sacks and nine tackles for loss in 2025, while serving as a game-wrecking force for Seattle’s top-ranked scoring defense during the team’s Super Bowl-winning run.

Williams, who is entering his 12th NFL season, was a Pro Bowler each of the past two years and a second-team All-Pro in 2025.

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