Leonard Williams signs extension, wants to retire in Seattle

The 32-year-old defensive tackle has signed a three-year extension that is expected to keep him in Seattle through the end of the 2029 season. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Williams, who arrived midway through the 2023 season, now hopes to finish his career with the Seahawks.

DAZN News brings you more on what Williams' deal means to Seattle, and who could be next in line for a big payday.

A contract extension through 2029

Williams was entering the final year of the three-year, $64.5 million contract he signed in March 2024.

The two sides opened discussions over an extension at the beginning of training camp. An agreement was eventually reached just days before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The veteran intends to honour the full length of his new contract and does not expect to retire before it expires. He will then assess his future on a year-by-year basis.

Seattle has revived Leonard Williams' career

Selected by the New York Jets with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams also played for the Giants before joining Seattle in a trade in October 2023.

His move to Washington State has allowed him to rediscover his best form.

In 2024, he recorded 11 sacks and 28 quarterback hits, as well as a spectacular 92-yard pick-six.

Williams then earned the first second-team All-Pro selection of his career in 2025 after registering seven sacks and 22 quarterback hits during the regular season. He also played a major role in the Seahawks' run to the second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

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A justified exception for the Seahawks

General manager John Schneider rarely hands multiyear contracts to players over the age of 30. Williams' durability, consistency and influence, however, convinced Seattle to make an exception.

Mike Macdonald still considers the defensive tackle to be one of the best players in the world at his position.

The head coach has highlighted not only Williams' individual production, but also his ability to create opportunities for his teammates against both the run and the pass. His day-to-day leadership also played an important part in the Seahawks' decision.

Williams joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe among the players to have recently signed extensions with Seattle.

His new contract is also the first major decision made since Vinod and Neeru Khosla completed their takeover of the franchise, which was officially approved for a record $9.612 billion.

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Could Byron Murphy II be next?

Seattle may soon have to invest further in its defensive line.

Byron Murphy II, who recorded seven sacks last season, will be eligible to negotiate his first extension in 2027. The 2024 first-round pick is currently under contract through 2027, with a fifth-year option available for 2028.

The Seahawks can therefore afford to wait. After securing Williams, Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon, however, the franchise has demonstrated its desire to retain the players at the heart of the team.

Leonard Williams will now remain one of those players for several more years.

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