According to an anonymous source familiar with the matter, Quinnen Williams, the All-Pro defensive tackle, has reached an agreement with the New York Jets on a lucrative four-year contract extension. The deal is valued at $96 million, making Williams the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL, only behind Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams, who earns $31.7 million annually.
The contract extension for Williams includes an impressive $66 million in guaranteed salary, which sets a new record for the Jets organization. This surpasses the previous mark of $51 million earned by linebacker C.J. Mosley, who joined the team as a free agent in 2019. Please note that the terms of the contract were not officially disclosed by the team, as the information was shared anonymously with The Associated Press.
In an official statement released by the team, owner Woody Johnson expressed his admiration for Quinnen Williams, referring to him as the embodiment of a true Jets player. The announcement confirmed that Williams has signed a contract that will keep him with the New York Jets until the end of the 2027 season, averaging an annual salary of $24 million. This makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle, surpassing the contracts recently signed by Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans ($23.5 million), Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders ($22.5 million), and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants ($22.5 million) during this offseason.
Williams, expressing his dedication to the team’s success, stated in a released statement, “The success of this organization is of utmost importance to me, and finalizing this deal allows me to fully focus on making a positive impact. I am thrilled to join forces with my teammates and prepare for the upcoming season.”
During the negotiation process, Williams opted not to attend the Jets’ voluntary workouts, awaiting an agreement between his agent and the team. However, Jets coach Robert Saleh remained optimistic throughout the offseason, confidently asserting that a contract would be finalized before the start of the team’s training camp, which commences next week.
“I will leave the business aspects to the experts, but I have no doubt that it will get done,” Saleh stated last month. “Quinnen will be here for training camp, fully prepared. And once he’s here, I’m certain he will exhibit the same outstanding qualities he displayed last year.”
During the offseason, there were some doubts surrounding Quinnen Williams’ future with the Jets when he removed “NEW YORK JETS” from his Twitter bio. However, on a positive note, just before news of his contract extension began to leak, Williams restored the team name to his bio, creating optimism among fans and observers.
At 25 years old, Williams had a breakout season, showcasing steady improvement over the past few years. He earned his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections while achieving career highs in sacks (12), quarterback hits (28), and tackles for loss (12), establishing himself as one of the league’s top defensive tackles. His outstanding performance also earned him the title of Jets’ MVP as voted by his teammates.
Selected as the third overall pick from Alabama in the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams entered the final year of his rookie contract, which included a fully guaranteed salary of $9.6 million after the Jets exercised his fifth-year option last offseason. However, he sought a more substantial payday, believing he had proven his value to the team.
“I have done everything right both on and off the field,” Williams stated at the conclusion of last season. “I deserve to be compensated accordingly.”
With his contract extension, Williams becomes the first Jets’ first-round draft pick since Muhammad Wilkerson in 2016 to sign a second contract with the team, solidifying his future with the Jets.
With the expectation of Quinnen Williams anchoring a talented defensive line, the New York Jets enter the upcoming season with a strong emphasis on their defense as they aim to put an end to a 12-year playoff drought. The addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers has heightened the team’s ambitions.
Throughout his four NFL seasons, Williams has accumulated an impressive 27.5 career sacks, along with 60 quarterback hits, 33 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. These statistics highlight his impact on the field and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
In the team’s official statement, general manager Joe Douglas expressed his admiration for Williams, stating that he embodies the qualities the Jets seek in their players. Douglas praised Williams for his leadership both on and off the field, highlighting his willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of him. Douglas also acknowledged Williams’ consistent ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and contribute to the team’s success.
In addition to Quinnen Williams, the Jets also secured the services of his older brother, Quincy Williams, by signing him to a three-year contract worth $18 million in March. The deal included $9 million in guarantees for Quincy, who plays as a linebacker. The reunion of the Williams brothers further strengthens the Jets’ defensive unit and adds a familial connection within the team.
