The NFL trade deadline is 25 hours from now, but we already have one major deal on the books.
The New York Giants are sending one-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and 2025 fifth-rounder, according to reports.
That’s a solid return for Williams, who is a free agent at the end of the season. Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Giants are eating a “significant” chunk of Williams’ remaining salary in order to facilitate the deal.
“This essentially is the Giants paying for a higher pick, which to me is a creative use of cap space that they’ve already spent this year,” Breer tweeted. “Like I said, smart, creative move in moving a player who probably was gone anyway after this year.”
This essentially is the Giants paying for a higher pick, which to me is a creative use of cap space that they’ve already spent this year. Like I said, smart, creative move in moving a player who probably was gone anyway after this year. https://t.co/RtZcsEht8u
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 30, 2023
The first major trade domino of the 2023 deadline has sparked plenty of reaction on social media.
“LETS GOO! Big Cat coming to the PNW!” said Seahawks safety Julian Love, who had been Williams’ teammate with the Giants from 2019-2022.
LETS GOO! Big Cat coming to the PNW! https://t.co/aHAbG989zl
— Julian Love (@_jlove20) October 30, 2023
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I think Leonard Williams was probably netting the Giants a 2025 4th-round comp pick or so, so they effectively match that with the 5th and then buy their way (by retaining salary) from a 2024 3rd to a 2nd
That’s how I see it at least. Good stuff from Joe Schoen
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) October 30, 2023
Leo is around Dre’mont’s level imo. Certifiably #good player but not a game breaker. Very welcome addition and makes them better via his plays he’ll bring and taking pressure off of Reed.
— Chief Geno Nation Intelligence Officer (@cmikesspinmove) October 30, 2023
Strong DT class for the Giants to replace him. Great deal for both sides. https://t.co/NeTH6DFdUQ
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) October 30, 2023
Over for the league
— Truth Takes (@truthsportakes) October 30, 2023
Seahawks have a team!
— LG #FlyEaglesFly #LakeShow (@Zentotic) October 30, 2023
WE DID IT AGAIN!!!!! ALWAYS!!!
— Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SeattleONTap) October 30, 2023
Williams, 30, who was acquired by the Giants from the New York Jets at the 2019 trade deadline, finished his tenure with Big Blue with 204 tackles and 22.5 sacks in 61 games.
Williams also set a single-season career-high in sacks with 11.5 in 2020 and then notched his career-best in tackles with 81 the following year.