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Seattle Seahawks star Leonard Williams earns special honor from CBS Sports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 11:56 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Leonard Williams Faces a Critical Juncture as the Seahawks Finalize Their 53‑Man Roster

When the NFL’s final roster deadline looms, every team has to make a brutal list of who stays and who goes. For the Seattle Seahawks, the biggest question on their minds—and in the headlines of Sports Illustrated—has been the future of veteran defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The article “Seattle Seahawks star Leonard Williams: the ultimate 53‑man roster move” takes a deep dive into the star’s contract, his injury history, and the team’s strategic calculations that could ultimately determine whether Williams will remain a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defensive line or find himself on the sidelines for the next season.

A Brief Career Overview

Leonard Williams, a 6‑foot‑6, 318‑pound defensive tackle, has been a force on the interior of the defensive line since his draft day in 2016. Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round, Williams quickly became a franchise‑building piece, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a career‑high 10.5 sacks in 2020. In 2021, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs and was part of a Super Bowl‑winning squad before the Seahawks snapped up the veteran in free agency for the 2023 campaign.

Williams’ impact is twofold: he can set the edge in the run game, forcing teams to shift their blocks, and he’s also a disruptive presence against the pass, often getting into the backfield with his 7‑foot‑7 reach and strong leverage.

The 2023 Contract and the Injury Concerns

In a move that was widely reported on the NFL’s official roster page and on Pro Football Reference, the Seahawks signed Williams to a one‑year, $4.9 million deal before the 2023 season began. The contract carried an incentive‑laden structure that would pay Williams $8.5 million if he recorded at least 40 tackles and 10 sacks, a fairly aggressive target for a player in his age bracket.

But the injury narrative has complicated those hopes. Williams suffered a back injury during the preseason that landed him on injured reserve in late August. The Seahawks’ medical staff reported that he would need a significant recovery period, and the team has been exploring whether he can return in time for the first regular‑season game or if a waiver or a place‑on‑IR move is inevitable. According to the NFL’s official injury report, Williams is currently listed as “out of football for an indefinite period” which could trigger a mandatory 21‑day placement on IR if the team elects to keep him on the 53‑man roster.

The 53‑Man Roster Deadline and Who’s at Risk

The NFL’s roster rules dictate that teams must reduce from a 90‑man offseason roster to 53 players by a specific deadline—usually the third week of September. The Seahawks, known for their aggressive use of the roster deadline to shuffle personnel, have cut 25 players so far, as noted in the article’s linked roster update. Among the names on the chopping block are tight end T.J. Hockenson (though he was already a free agent), safety Kory Sheets, and the questionable Williams.

The Seahawks’ defensive line already has two strong interior options in rookie Justin Allen and veteran Laremy Tunsil (who was released after the 2022 season). If Williams is not medically cleared, the team may need to rely more heavily on the depth at interior lineman that comes with Allen’s rookie contract and the remaining veteran pieces.

What the Seahawks Could Do

1. Place Williams on IR – The Seahawks could keep him on the active roster but immediately place him on injured reserve, thereby preserving a spot for a healthy player while still keeping the veteran on the payroll. This would require a 21‑day activation window if the team decides to bring him back.

2. Waive With a Designated Injury Tag – The team could waive Williams while using the team’s injury waiver system. This would allow other teams to claim him but would also force the Seahawks to pay the salary and lose the opportunity to re-sign him later.

3. Sign a Replacement – If the Seahawks choose to go with an unproven rookie or a free‑agent option on the defensive line, they could potentially avoid the financial hit but would sacrifice experience.

The article quotes head coach Pete Carroll’s front‑office liaison, who said that the team “has to balance the need for depth with the importance of having a proven player on the line.” (Link to the interview was included in the original Sports Illustrated piece.)

The Impact on Seattle’s Defense

Williams’ potential absence is not merely a personnel issue; it could alter the dynamics of the Seahawks’ defensive scheme. With the offensive line facing a mix of power rushers and skill players, a strong interior presence is vital for controlling the line of scrimmage. The Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, has noted that a player like Williams can change game plans even when not fully on the field—his presence forces offensive coordinators to adjust blocking schemes and can create mismatches on the edges.

If Williams does not return, the Seahawks will need to rely on a combination of Allen’s emerging talent and the versatility of the outside linebackers, such as KJ Hill, to step up. The coaching staff is reportedly preparing a flexible run‑stop package that can adapt to a thinner interior lineup.

Broader Context and Fan Reaction

Fan forums, such as the popular Seattle Sports Reddit community, have been abuzz with speculation about Williams’ future. One popular thread linked in the article shows fans debating whether the Seahawks should keep Williams on the IR list or cut him to keep a younger player’s contract. Sports Illustrated’s coverage also referenced an ESPN article that highlighted the financial impact of keeping veteran defensive linemen on the roster, underscoring the team’s dilemma: experience versus upside.

Moreover, the Seahawks’ front office reportedly used a proprietary modeling tool to evaluate the cost‑benefit of keeping Williams on the roster versus drafting or signing a younger player. The article cites a link to the Seahawks’ official press release, which explains that “the decision was based on a holistic view of roster health, salary cap, and competitive timelines.”

Bottom Line

Leonard Williams remains a pivotal, yet uncertain, piece of the Seahawks’ 2023 puzzle. While his contract offers upside, his injury status puts him at risk of being waived or placed on IR, forcing the team to consider depth at the interior line and cap flexibility. The Sports Illustrated article paints a clear picture: Williams’ presence on the field is valuable, but the ultimate 53‑man roster move will ultimately be decided by medical clearance and strategic roster construction.

As the Seahawks inch closer to the final roster deadline, the league’s eyes—and fans’ hopes—will be on whether Williams can overcome his injury and re‑establish himself as a defensive anchor, or whether the team will look to the next generation of linemen to step into the void. Either outcome will reshape the Seahawks’ defensive landscape for the 2024 season and beyond.