It looks like New York Jets fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to the future of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in the organization.
: We're back - Quinnen Williams has put Defensive Tackle for the New York #Jets back in his bio.https://t.co/11RqGyKH62 pic.twitter.com/CyfBUXFbiN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 13, 2023
The 25-year-old made the initial cryptic change to his Twitter account in mid-May as rumors swirled that he and the team weren't close to reaching a contract extension.
The Jets picked up Williams' fifth-year option in April 2022, and the former third overall pick answered with his best season to date last year.
He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 6 and the conference's Player of the Month for October, while earning his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Williams finished the campaign with career highs (and team highs) in quarterback hits (28), sacks (12.0) and tackles for loss (12) across 16 games, while adding two forced fumbles and a career-high four passes defended as well.
Gang Green already has reigning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner roaming in the secondary, so with Williams' frustrations seemingly resolved, New York may have the pair of star youngsters to lead their defense for years to come.
At the very least, the University of Alabama product's situation could be yet another reason to tune in to this summer's "Hard Knocks" on HBO, with coach Robert Saleh's group (begrudgingly) starring. Gardner, Williams, Aaron Rodgers and company begin training camp on Wednesday, with the reality series expected to start airing in August.
Soon after Williams took to Twitter with his latest edit, it was reported that the two sides agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension.
The #Jets and All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams agreed to terms on a four-year, $96 million megadeal — the largest second contract ever for a defensive tackle, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 13, 2023
Williams gets $66 million in guarantees in the deal negotiated by @AgentNicoleLynn. pic.twitter.com/onRE29sJx0
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