If the Atlanta Falcons want to improve their defensive line in free agency, Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams could become a top target.
Now that the NFL Scouting Combine is passed, focus is shifting to free agency. It may be crucial to the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason plans as they try to bolster a team that they believe will contend for the postseason in the first season under head coach Raheem Morris.
After using more than $60 million in cap space to sign defensive lineman Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, and David Onyemata, as well as linebacker Kaden Elliss and safety Jessie Bates III, last season, they might look to add more players.
This time, though, the Falcons might get such reinforcement in the form of Leonard Williams, the defensive tackle currently with the Seattle Seahawks, as suggested recently by Bleacher Report, which named the team 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,” writes Knox. “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.”
The Falcons would be getting a blockbuster-caliber player who would immediately improve their defensive line if they sign the former first-round choice. The 29-year-old was traded from the New York Jets to the New York Giants before beginning his career with them. This past season, he was relocated once more, this time to Seattle.
The Seahawks received the kind of upfront jolt they were hoping for when they acquired the veteran at the trade deadline. Within a mere 10-game span with Seattle, Williams accumulated 41 tackles, nine sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and nine tackles for loss. Adding those stats to his eight Giants games, he concluded the season with 62 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks.
It makes sense that the Falcons are among Bleacher Report’s possible landing spots for Williams. The Falcons might use assistance at both areas if neither returns in 2024, with Campbell pondering retirement and Dupree’s contract about to expire.