The New York Jets DT finds himself ranked top-five at the position by his NFL peers
It wasn’t too long ago that the word “bust” was whispered after a disappointing rookie season by New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams. Being drafted third overall in 2019 by Mike Maccagnan, who had a historically bad draft record, probably didn’t help. But since then, Williams has only improved.
This past season, Williams finally saw his breakout as an NFL player. The Jets’ DT totaled 55 tackles to go with career-highs of 12 sacks and 28 QB hits. It led to the 25-year-old receiving his first nod to the Pro Bowl. He was also named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. It seems that people around the league have finally noticed Williams, too.
ESPN conducted a poll of coaches, players, and executives to rank the best players at each specific position. The Jets’ DT found himself ranked fourth among all interior defensive linemen – behind Aaron Donald, Jeffrey Simmons, and Chris Jones.
Becoming such a force on defense has its benefits, but it’s also put the Jets in a bind.
The Jets are negotiating a deal that would extend the third overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft. Williams only has one year left on his rookie contract and is set to be a free agent in 2024.
Williams is reportedly looking for $25-30 million per year, while scrubbing his social media of the Jets.
One hangup for the Jets appears to be the length of the contract, but it would be wise for the Jets to retain one of their few homegrown players. They have been few and far between in the past decade. With a 25-year-old All-Pro under contract, Gang Green’s interior could be solidified for the next half-decade.
