The man they call Big Cat is staying put in the Pacific Northwest for the foreseeable future. On Thursday morning, the 12th Man was awoken to exceptionally good news. Seattle agreed to terms with star defensive tackle Leonard Williams on a new three-year extension worth $90 million - of which $56 million is fully guaranteed. This news was reported by NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
Williams' new deal will tie him with Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the fifth highest salary among defensive tackles.
Leonard Williams himself confirmed in late July that talks had begun between his representation and the Seahawks about a new deal. Big Cat was entering into the final season of his current three-year, $64.5 million deal he signed
in March of 2024. Seattle took a major risk when they traded for Williams midway through the 2023 season, as he was also on the final year of his contract at the time. General manager John Schneider managed to keep him back then, and he just worked his magic again. At age 32, it's now appears Williams will likely end his career as a Seahawk.
But that day seems to be well into the future, because players don't sign these kinds of extensions in their early 30's if they have any intention of slowing down. Williams has been an absolute terror on the field ever since he came to the Emerald City. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two full seasons, has started all 43 games he's been available to play, and has recorded 22 sacks since joining the team. Last season, Williams also has a historic pick-six to his resume... a 92-yarder, which is the longest ever by a defensive tackle in NFL history.
The fact it took place against the New York Jets - the team that drafted him - makes this highlight all the more satisfying.
Three more years of Big Cat pic.twitter.com/Vct4Qa7avW
— Kole Musgrove (@KoleMusgrove23) August 27, 2026
We all see what Williams can do on the field, and thanks to HBO's "Hard Knocks," we are seeing the value he brings off it as well. It's clear Williams is held in high esteem by the Seahawks, as he is essentially an extension of the coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. His wisdom, insight, and ability to guide the younger defensive stars is worth every penny of the $90 million Seattle is shelling out for him.
Leonard Williams has quickly become a fan favorite in the Emerald City, and when it's all said and done, he may be considered among the very best Seahawks of all-time.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks agree to 3-year, $90 million extension with Leonard Williams
