Quinnen Williams to skip NY Jets’ voluntary offseason program

Quinnen Williams continues to seek a new contract from the New York Jets

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is not planning to report for the beginning of the team’s voluntary offseason program, which starts today.

#Jets All-Pro DL Quinnen Williams won’t report for the start of the team’s voluntary offseason program today, per sources.

Williams, 25, said at the end of the season he wouldn’t attend without a new contract. He’s due $9.594 million on the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023

This news is expected. At the conclusion of the 2023 season, Williams stated he would not attend without a new deal.

The Jets accepted Williams’ fifth-year option ahead of the 2022 season, putting him under contract for $9.594 million in 2023. Williams proceeded to have a breakout season in which he recorded 12.0 sacks and was named one of the two first-team All-Pros at defensive tackle, joining Kansas City Chiefs superstar Chris Jones.

We have seen a handful of star defensive tackles sign mega-deals this offseason. Former Eagles DT Javon Hargrave signed a four-year, $84 million deal to join the 49ers while Commanders DT Daron Payne signed a four-year extension worth $90 million to stay in Washington.

Just 10 days ago, Titans DT Jeffery Simmons reset the market with a four-year, $94 million extension to stay in Tennessee. In terms of total value and average annual value, it’s the second-largest contract among defensive tackles, trailing only Aaron Donald. The deal includes $47.8 million fully guaranteed, according to Spotrac.

Simmons, like Williams, was a first-round pick in 2019, so his contract is a reasonable guide in projecting Williams’ potential contract. Williams’ camp is likely seeking to beat out Simmons’ contract, as Simmons was only a second-team All-Pro in 2022 and posted 4.5 fewer sacks than Williams despite playing 150 more snaps.

It’s not a big deal when a player skips voluntary workouts in April – hence the “voluntary” part. The next upcoming date that matters is May 22, when the Jets begin OTAs. Those are also considered voluntary, but most players attend. The next mandatory reporting date is June 13, when the Jets begin their three-day veteran minicamp.