4 free-agent moves from NFC West rivals that should terrify 49ers fans

No. 4: Seahawks re-sign DT Leonard Williams

The days of the Seattle Seahawks boasting one of the best front-seven defenses in the NFL are long gone, but there are still a handful of notable names who'll threaten the Niners in 2024.

In fact, San Francisco probably wishes veteran defensive tackle Leonard Williams opted to look elsewhere for a new team this offseason instead of returning to the Hawks on a three-year deal worth up to $64.5 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Williams, who'll turn 30 years old this offseason, might not be quite as prolific as he was earlier in his career when he netted a Pro Bowl nod with the New York Jets in 2016 and then a career-high 11.5 sacks with the New York Giants in 2020.

But, as a savvy pass-rusher who can play multiple spots on the defensive line, he's still a force.

Only three of Williams' 43.5 career sacks have come against the 49ers, primarily due to him not playing the Niners that often (five games). But he had 14 total tackles in three games (split between Seattle and the G-Men) last season along with 1.5 sacks. He also had eight quarterback hits, too, during that same timeframe.

Simply put, Williams is a player San Francisco will have on its watch list when it's time to take on the Seahawks twice in 2024.

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