Jets GM: Quinnen Williams Contract Talks 'Trending in a Good Place' amid Rodgers Deal

The New York Jets finally added a new offensive superstar in Aaron Rodgers on Monday, leaving them to shift their focus to retaining a top defensive star.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas told reporters negotiations with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams are "in a good place" as the two sides continue to talk numbers.

Douglas also mentioned he was "optimistic" about getting a deal done, a comment that caught Williams' eye:

Williams is set to make $9.6 million in 2023 while playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. He's coming off a breakout 2022 season that saw him record 55 tackles and a career-high 12 sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.

Contract extension negotiations have been ongoing but have seemingly progressed at a slow pace. There is no major urgency from the Jets' side given the fact Williams is still under contract, but it remains possible he'll hold out of offseason workouts without a new deal.

Douglas and the rest of the Jets brass would undoubtedly prefer to avoid such a distraction as the team makes an all-in push for Super Bowl contention. Trading for Rodgers was a move made with clear short-term thinking in mind; the four-time MVP is 39 years old and has openly talked about retirement. It's possible the Jets paid for what amounts to a one-year rental if things do not go well.

Having Williams in camp on time and motivated to live up to a new contract would be paramount to keeping the New York defense among the best in the NFL.