The hiring of head coach Mike Macdonald by the Seattle Seahawks was their first major offseason decision in the 2024 NFL. Now that the team has a new head, the Seahawks front office is concentrating on assembling a formidable squad for Macdonald.
With Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker, Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba signed through the 2024 season, Seattle is already well-positioned offensively. To make his plan effective, Macdonald will need a lot more talent on the defensive end.
The front seven is less certain than the secondary, which has a plenty of youthful quality. The Seahawks will use the 2024 NFL Draft to fill some of their needs, but their blockbuster trade during the regular season is the reason they did not acquire a second-round pick this offseason.
2023 Leonard Williams stats: in 18 games, 16 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks
Leonard Williams, a defensive lineman, was acquired by Seattle from the New York Giants in exchange for a second-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025, before to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. Although being selected for the 2016 Pro Bowl improved Seattle’s defense, the front staff took a huge gamble on the upcoming free agency.
The payment made to New York by the Seahawks was unrelated to Williams’ decision to re-sign this summer. In addition, general manager John Schneider made a huge risk by adding a player who has already received two franchise tags.
A player who is placed on the franchise tag for the third time in NFL history is awarded 144% of his salary from the prior campaign. In 2024, Seattle would have to pay Williams more than $18 million for that.
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Thankfully, there is hope that the Seahawks organization and Williams’ representatives will reach an agreement on a contract extension this offseason, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
Re-signing Leonard Williams is particularly important with new defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald. The strength of Macdonald’s defense with the Baltimore Ravens was in part the defensive interior, led by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Under Macdonald’s tutelage, Madubuike became one of the biggest breakout players in 2023. He earned second-team All-Pro honors this past season, recording 33 QB hits, 12 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
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Williams (6 feet 5 inches, 302 pounds) may advance in his career. Under Macdonald’s defensive coordinatorship, Madubuike (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) recorded 42 quarterback hits, 20 tackles for loss, and 18.5 sacks in two seasons.
Williams’ return to form from his 2020 season (11.5 sacks) under the guidance of the new Seahawks coach would be extremely beneficial for Seattle’s defense in 2024. If Williams isn’t wearing a Seahawks uniform the next season, it would be surprising given the level of confidence on both parties in the completion of a long-term deal.
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