Jets, All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams agree to contract extension reportedly worth $96M
The New York Jets and All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams have agreed to a contract extension reportedly valued at $96 million over four years.
The Jets announced the deal on Thursday after NFL Network reported the news with the terms.
The contract includes $66 million in guarantees. It makes Williams the second-highest paid defensive tackle in football behind Aaron Donald. Williams responded to news of the deal on Twitter alongside Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Let’s kick some ass this year 🙏🏽💪🏽 thanks so much 🤞🏾
— Quinnen Williams (@QuinnenWilliams) July 13, 2023
"The success of this organization is beyond important to me and completing this deal allows me to turn all my attention to positively impacting that," Williams said, via a team statement. "I am thrilled to put forth my best efforts alongside my brothers to get prepared for this season ahead of us."
Williams, 25, made his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro team in 2022 after tallying 12 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, 55 tackles (12 for loss), four passes defended and two forced fumbles. The No. 3 pick in the 2019 draft, Williams has been an anchor on the Jets defense during his four-year NFL tenure as the unit has evolved into one of the NFL's best. Last season, the Jets ranked fourth in the league in yards and points allowed.
The Jets finished a disappointing 7-10 last season but have high hopes for 2023 behind the strength of their defense and an offense now helmed by four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Williams is joined on defense by fellow 2022 Pro Bowl selections C.J. Mosley (linebacker) and reigning defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner (cornerback). Williams' brother, Quincy Williams, also has a new contract as a starting linebacker for the Jets.
On offense, Rodgers joins a unit featuring reigning offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson (wide receiver) and running back Breece Hall, who averaged 5.8 yards per carry in 2022 before an ACL tear sidelined him after nine games. The Jets are optimistic that Hall will be ready to return for Week 1.
The new deal for Williams arrives less than two weeks before the July 22 start of Jets training camp. With "Hard Knocks" cameras on site, the deal ensures that Williams' contract status will be one fewer preseason distraction. Williams previously scrubbed mentions of the Jets from his social media, but now the team is again mentioned in his Twitter bio.
