Jets All-Pro DT isn't growing complacent after breakout season, massive extension

Despite a massive payday, Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams won't slack off this season.

Williams recently signed a four-year, $96M contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid DT in the league behind Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. 

When the Jets reported to training camp on Wednesday, Williams clarified his motivation remains the same.

"There's a lot of stuff I do on the field that I really want to improve to take my game to the next level," Williams said, via Andy Vasquez of NJ.com. "… Definitely feel like I haven't scratched the surface on what I can become, what I can do in this career, but definitely headed in the right direction."

Williams burst onto the scene last season, recording a career-high 12 sacks in 16 games. He also made his first Pro Bowl appearance and earned a First-Team All-Pro nod.

If Williams builds off the 2022 breakout, that would be ideal for the Jets considering he already has a massive impact on their defense. Per Bill Barnwell of ESPN, over the past two seasons, the Jets' sack rate plummeted from first (8.1 percent) to 31st (3.4 percent) when he wasn't on the field.

Even though New York went 7-10 and missed the playoffs, expectations are higher for the Jets after they traded for former Packers QB and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Per OddsChecker, they possess the seventh-best Super Bowl odds.

The defense, which ranked fourth in points allowed last season, should be expected play at a high level again. If Williams maintains his productivity, it will help the unit stay atop the league.

It also will prove Williams deserved the money and is on the verge of becoming an elite defensive player.