Robby Anderson isn’t the only player of value the Jets could move with the trade deadline approaching.
Although he has underperformed so far this season, defensive end Leonard Williams could potentially help a team in search of an upgrade in the trenches. The return on the USC product won’t be as good as Anderson’s, but if the Jets are interested in moving Williams in exchange for a mid-late round draft pick, they should be able to get a deal done.
Where could Williams possibly end up if he’s dealt? Let’s take a look.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens currently sit atop the AFC North with a 5-2 record, but it’s going to take an upgrade on the defensive line if they not only want to remain there, but make a deep postseason run as well.
Baltimore has a solid defense, but its play in the trenches has left plenty to be desired. The Ravens have only 12 sacks as a team and none have come from a defensive lineman. That might not come as too much of a surprise considering Baltimore’s 3-4 scheme, but the Ravens have lacked penetration up front in general throughout the season, as their defensive linemen have only recorded 2.5 TFLs.
Williams wouldn’t come in and necessarily be a game-changer, but he would certainly help a line that hasn’t been up to snuff in 2019.
Seattle Seahawks
It never hurts to have quality depth in the trenches.
The Seahawks have a solid stable of defensive ends featuring Jadaveon Clowney, Quinton Jefferson, Rasheem Green and Ezekiel Ansah. The production among them has been relatively disappointing, though, as they’ve only accounted for six sacks as a group. Ansah has also been banged up for most of the season, making it even more plausible that Seattle could be looking outside the organization to add a piece.
Having already traded for Clowney this season, it remains to be seen if general manager John Schnieder would be willing to part ways with additional draft capital for another defensive lineman. Regardless, adding Williams could be a shrewd move for the Seahawks if they’re interested.
Houston Texans
When the Texans traded Jadaveon Clowney to the Seahawks, a hole on their defensive line was created. Could Leonard Williams be the one to fill it?
Charles Omennihu (five sacks, two tackles, two TFLs) hasn’t been anything special starting opposite J.J. Watt. Houston likes his potential, but potential won’t get the job done once the stretch run rolls around. Williams is a veteran who could slide in and possibly give the Texans instant production.
Houston has some extra draft capital at its disposal following the Clowney deal. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that they put some of it to use to upgrade in the trenches before the trade deadline.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are by no means in bad shape at defensive end, but that doesn’t mean they should be content with their current personnel at the position.
Justin Houston and Jabaal Sheard are a solid defensive end duo, but they can’t play every snap. A season-ending injury to Kemeko Turay hurt Indianapolis’ depth at the position, even with Denico Autry second on the team in sacks with 2.5.
Considering it wouldn’t take much to land him, it wouldn’t hurt the Colts to call and see what it’ll take to land Williams. Quality veteran depth on the line could come in handy as the AFC South race continues to heat up.
