The New York Giants have officially confirmed that they will be sellers during this year’s NFL trade deadline.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Giants are trading defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks. In return, they are getting a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Leonard Williams
Williams has spent the last 4.5 seasons with the New York Giants. He was a crucial part of the Giants’ defense during that stretch.
Ironically, his tenure with the Giants started with a trade from the New York Jets.
Getting traded to the Giants arguably saved Williams’ career. His best year came during the 2020 season, which was his first full season with the Giants. He had 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for losses, and 30 QB hits in 2020.
However, he has declined since that magical season. Through eight games, Williams has just 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, and five QB hits in 2023.
What Does This Mean for the New York Giants?
It means that they are likely waving the white flag on the 2023 NFL season with a 2-6 record and selling some players during this year’s trade deadline.
Trading Williams to the Seahawks should give them some salary cap flexibility. Williams had a cap hit of over $32 million this year.
What Does This Mean for the Seattle Seahawks?
The Seahawks gain a key veteran on their defensive front. Williams has nine years of experience in the NFL and is just 29 years old.
It also makes an already talented defensive front more lethal. Right now, the Seahawks allow just under 97 rushing yards per game. That should only improve now that they have Williams to help them out.
Additionally, they are gaining depth to address their injuries. Seattle recently lost LB Uchenna Nwosu for the season due to a torn pectoral.
This reveals that the Seahawks will be aggressive when it comes to improving their team. They have a 5-2 record so far and currently lead the NFC West. Seattle was already a playoff contender, and this move should only put them closer to the top of the NFC.
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