Falcons 'Best Fit' to Sign Seahawks' Leonard Williams?
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, attention is turning toward free agency. Which could prove vital to the Atlanta Falcons offseason plans as they look to add to a roster that they hope can take them to the playoffs in the year one under new coach Raheem Morris.
They could seek further reinforcement after utilizing over $60 million in cap space last season to acquire key defensive players in defensive linemen Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, and David Onyemata, along with linebacker Kaden Elliss and safety Jessie Bates III.
However, this time, that reinforcement could come via the signing of the current Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams, as proposed recently by Bleacher Report, who listed the Falcons as a "best fit."
"Williams would primarily play end with the Falcons, who could lose pass-rushers Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell in free agency," Kristopher Knox writes. "He'd receive a lot of one-on-one rushing opportunities in that role, though, with Jarrett and David Onyemata commanding plenty of attention in the interior."
Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The signing of the former first-round pick would certainly be a blockbuster-type deal by the Falcons that'd instantly upgrade their defensive line. The 29-year-old started his career with the New York Jets before being traded to the New York Giants and was once again moved this past season, this time to Seattle.
After acquiring the veteran at the trade deadline, Williams provided the Seahawks with the type of boost they were looking for up front. In just 10 games with Seattle, Williams totaled 41 tackles, nine for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, and four sacks. Add those numbers to his eight games with the Giants, and he finished the year with 62 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 5.5 sacks.
It is easy to see why Bleacher Report lists the Falcons as a potential destination for Williams to land in. With Campbell considering retirement and Dupree's contract set to expire, the Falcons could use help at both spots if neither returns for 2024.
Add Williams to a Falcons defensive line that already possesses Grady Jarrett. Atlanta would possess two interior defensive linemen who could play inside and out, depending on the front defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake would like to use.
However, the biggest question is how much money Williams expects to make in free agency. Spotrac's projections say Williams' market value is $16.7 million annually, which is why they predict he'll get a three-year contract worth $50 million.
