Report: Jets not close to contract extension with All-Pro defender
The New York Jets have enjoyed a potentially franchise-altering offseason, but there is still no extension in place for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. And there may not be one for some time.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the sides remain far apart on an extension at this point in the offseason. For his part, Williams has not attended New York's voluntary workouts amid negotiations this spring.
"The two sides aren't close to an agreement even though the second-contract market for top defensive tackles is clearly formed," Cimini wrote Sunday.
Williams, the third overall pick in 2019, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will play on his fifth-year option -- worth $9.6 million -- this coming season.
As Cimini notes, defensive tackles around the league are cashing in on their second contracts this offseason, with Tennessee's Jeffery Simmons leading the charge with his four-year, $94 million deal. Additionally, the Commanders' Daron Payne and the Giants' Dexter Lawrence II each signed four-year $90 million extensions.
Rams superstar Aaron Donald's three-year, $95 million deal serves as the benchmark for Williams if he intends to reset the market. While it's unlikely he will do so, given his play last season, he is well-positioned to receive the second-highest-paying contract for a defensive lineman.
In 16 games during the past campaign, Williams tallied 55 tackles, 12 sacks, four passes defended and two forced fumbles, earning him his first career Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors. His efforts were instrumental to New York allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (18.6).
While the Jets can place the franchise tag on Williams for the 2024-25 season, they likely won't drag out the process with one of their cornerstones. At New York's predraft news conference last month, GM Joe Douglas told reporters he has had "a lot of positive discussions" with Williams' agent, Nicole Lynn.
"I feel like we're trending in a good place," Douglas said. "So optimistic and hopeful is how I'd describe that."
If the Jets fail to ink Williams to an extension soon, it will likely cost them more to retain him next offseason, as Kansas City's Chris Jones is slated for free agency.
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