The Seattle Seahawks made strategic moves on the first day of free agency, securing the return of two key players to bolster areas of need.
Defensive lineman Leonard Williams and tight end Noah Fant agreed to terms with the Seahawks, according to three sources familiar with the deals who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday, requesting anonymity as the team had yet to officially announce the signings.
Williams confirmed his return via social media, announcing a three-year contract worth up to $64.5 million.
Meanwhile, the agreement with Fant, reported first by Bleacher Report, marked Seattle’s initial move in a busy opening day. Fant’s deal spans two years and could amount to $21 million.
Williams emerged as Seattle’s primary target entering free agency, especially after the team traded draft picks — including a 2024 second-rounder — to acquire him from the New York Giants midway through the previous season.
Impressively, Williams made his mark in the 10 games he played for the Seahawks, tallying 41 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. His return is expected to strengthen Seattle’s defensive front alongside Uchenna Nwosu, Dre’Mont Jones, and Jarran Reed, under the guidance of new coach Mike Macdonald.
On the offensive side, Fant’s re-signing provides stability in a position that suddenly faced a void. With the departure of Will Dissly to the Los Angeles Chargers and Colby Parkinson to the Los Angeles Rams, Fant is poised to step into a more prominent role as the Seahawks’ primary tight-end target.
Fant arrived in Seattle as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver before the 2022 season. In his first season with the Seahawks, he recorded 50 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns.
Although his numbers dipped in 2023, Fant’s potential for impact remains high, particularly given offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s history of utilizing tight ends in the passing game during his tenure with Washington.
