NFL Rumors: Quinnen Williams, Jets Not Close to Contract Extension

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is entering the final season of his contract, but he and the team reportedly have plenty of work to do before agreeing to a new deal.

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, "the two sides aren't close to an agreement," as Williams skips voluntary workouts.

While the Jets can always use the franchise tag next season as a way of keeping him in the fold for longer or increasing their leverage in negotiations, the blueprint for a new contract may already be in place.

After all, Williams, Jeffery Simmons and Dexter Lawrence were all first-round picks in the 2019 NFL draft and play the same position. Simmons agreed to a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Tennessee Titans this offseason, while Lawrence agreed to a four-year, $90 million extension with the New York Giants.

Those are notable deals for comparable players on the same timeline as Williams, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he and New York eventually settle on something similar.

The Alabama product was the No. 3 overall pick of that 2019 draft—ahead of Lawrence at 17 and Simmons at 19—and is coming off the best season of his career.

Williams finished the 2022 season as a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro selection with 55 tackles, 12 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery while appearing in a career-best 16 games.

His ability to generate interior pressure, stuff the run and occupy double teams in the middle of the line makes life much easier for his teammates rushing on the outside, and New York's defense finished fourth in the league in points and yards allowed per game last season with him as one of the anchors.

Williams is just 25 years old and is someone who could anchor the Jets like that for the foreseeable future, but only if he and the team reach an agreement.