Quincy Williams Benched by Jets, 'My Coaches Told Me I Was Underperforming'

New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams revealed that he was benched by the team on Wednesday.

"My coaches told me I was underperforming, that I've been underperforming since training camp," Williams told ESPN's Rich Cimini.

He explained that he was "not thrilled" with the decision but was also "not mad" as he hoped to win his job back, per Cimini.

Williams also discussed his thoughts surrounding potentially getting traded before Tuesday's deadline.

"I don't know," Williams told reporters. "I came in on Monday and was the two, so I didn't really understand what was going on. I kinda had those thoughts also, but it was one of those things where I told the Jets I wanted to be a Jet for the long term."

Quincy's brother, star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, was traded from the Jets to the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. New York received a package that consisted of a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in return.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday that the Cowboys discussed a deal with New York that would have involved Quincy as well, but talks broke down. Dallas eventually acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick instead.

According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Jets' asking price for Quincy was a fourth-round pick.

He's set to be a free agent in 2026, as he's playing on the final season of a three-year contract worth $18 million that he signed with New York in March 2023.

While Williams ultimately remained on the Jets beyond the deadline, he'll now operate in a reserve role.

He's served as a starter for New York since his first year with the team in 2021, steadily becoming a key piece of its defense. Williams' best season with the Jets came in 2023, as he racked up 15 tackles for loss and 10 passes defended to go along with two sacks before receiving a First Team All-Pro selection.

He's only made four appearances during his 2025 campaign due to a shoulder injury, amassing 22 tackles, four passes defended and 1.5 sacks.