New York Jets star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is going to be the next player at his position to break the bank. We have seen some monster contracts handed out to defensive tackles this offseason and Williams could reset the market with the largest deal of them all.
Their MetLife co-tenants, the New York Giants, just signed Dexter Lawrence to a four-year, $90 million deal. The only defensive tackles that make more than him annually are Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams and Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, who also signed his extension this offseason.
Before Simmons got his deal done, it was Daron Payne who signed a four-year, $90 million deal with the Washington Commanders after having the franchise tag placed on him. Also in free agency, Javon Hargrave left the Philadelphia Eagles for the San Francisco 49ers, agreeing to a four-year, $81 million deal.
Thus far those deals haven’t gotten the ball rolling for Williams and the Jets. There are now baseline deals in place that he can aim to achieve coming off his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro season in 2022. He registered a career-high 12 sacks with 12 tackles for loss and 28 quarterback hits.
New York’s general manager Joe Douglas remains “optimistic and hopeful” that a new deal will get reached with Williams, there is a ton of work left to do. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, reports indicate that the two sides aren’t close to striking a deal.
As things currently stand, the 2019 first-rounder is set to play out the 2023 season on his fifth-year option, which is worth $9.594 million after being selected No. 3 overall. Workouts with the team this offseason, which have been voluntary, have not been attended by Williams who is looking to cash in on a lucrative extension.
Eventually, you would think that the Jets will pay Williams and get closer to what he is seeking. If not, there are certainly teams that would as he’d have a robust market should it ever get to that point.
