Quincy Williams’ future with the New York Jets has hovered in limbo for much of the 2025 season.
Set to hit free agency this offseason, recent signs have pointed toward Williams potentially moving on when the year ends.
However, the door isn’t closed, according to the 29-year-old himself.
Speaking with ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the veteran linebacker said he would be open to returning to New York — with one key condition: how he fits into the vision and scheme of the Jets’ next defensive coordinator.
“When I’m in the right defense, I ball out,” Williams told ESPN. “That’s my main thing. This offseason is going to be about getting put in the right defense, making sure I’m in the right defense. If that’s at the Jets, that’ll be good. It depends on the D coordinator they bring in and the defense they run. I’m going to take all that into consideration.”
“This year has taught me that being in the right defense [is important],” the former All-Pro continued. “To succeed, it doesn’t have to do with your capability, your talent. The defense has to fit you also.”
There is no way around Williams’ struggles this season, particularly in recent games. Since Week 12, his horrific 32.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus is the league’s worst among 54 qualified linebackers.
Against the Saints on Sunday, the Murray State product recorded six tackles but missed two, a 15.4% missed-tackle rate. He also struggled in coverage, allowing six completions on seven targets for 67 yards in his first game since Steve Wilks’ firing.
Entering this offseason, it’s worth remembering that it takes two to tango. Williams can prioritize scheme fit all he wants, but the Jets still have to decide whether paying a 29-year-old linebacker makes sense as they face a pivotal offseason — especially after already committing three years and $45 million to Jamien Sherwood, a deal that has not paid off as expected thus far.
