Seattle Seahawks star defensive tackle Leonard Williams is approaching a major contract year in 2026.
Williams reached the pinnacle of his career in 2025. The California native was named a second-team All-Pro honoree and won the Super Bowl with Seattle at the end of the season.
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A big year is on the horizon for Williams in 2026. The USC product will get the chance to defend his Super Bowl title and further his reputation as one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL next season, which will aid his efforts in garnering one of the most lucrative contracts at his position in the league next year.
Williams, 31, carries a market value of $23.9 million from Spotrac for free agency in 2027. Only nine defensive tackles in the NFL have an average annual salary higher than that on their current deals.
It is well within reason to envision Williams having a comparable season to that of his showing in 2025 next season. Williams recorded seven sacks last season after registering 11 the year prior. He has played at as high a level as he’s ever performed in his career over the last two season, and has all the help he needs throughout the Seahawks’ defensive unit to help him excel in 2026.
Williams has the potential to exceed his current market value estimation in the open market next year, in the event that he puts forth another season worthy of All-Pro honors.
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In the event that he walks in free agency in 2027, the Seahawks will have their work cut out for them to replace a player of his caliber, either in the open market or the draft. Seattle did draft Deven Eastern in the seventh round of the draft this year and will give him the chance to prove his worth, but may need the services of a marquee veteran or draft pick in 2027 to approximate Williams’ value right away.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks DT Leonard Williams in the final year of his current contract
