The New York Jets have locked up one of the Williams brothers for the long haul as linebacker Quincy Williams has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal.
The deal can be worth up to $21 million with incentives and includes $9 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN.
Williams was set to become a free agent once the new league year began on March 15, but the Jets didn’t allow either team the chance to sign the fledgling linebacker. It’s part of head coach Robert Saleh’s desire to have as many players from last season’s defense as possible to make it through for the second straight season.
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New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) steps to the side of scrimmage to follow the play during the game between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Jets defense ranked fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed per game last year (311.1), as well as fourth in points allowed per game (18.6).
New York finished 7-10, so they’re actively trying to get Aaron Rodgers to Florham Park, New Jersey, to lead the offense because the defense did its job on the stat sheet.
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Quincy Williams is the older brother of Quinnen Williams, the Jets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, who fans are also hoping the team can sign long-term. But there’s still time for him to get there, as he’s up for his fifth-year option in 2023 before becoming a free agent next season.
Quincy Williams began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being selected in the third round out of Murray State in the same draft as his little brother. However, he never stayed in Duval County, playing in 18 games (eight starts) with 59 combined tackles.
Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets in action against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on November 6, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Bills 20-17.
The Jets selected him off waivers, and he flourished in the 2021 season with 110 tackles (nine for loss), three forced fumbles, two sacks and five passes defensed.
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Saleh really liked the speed he had despite being a bit small for a typical middle linebacker.
Williams followed that up in 2022 on the Jets’ stingy defense with 106 tackles (12 for loss) with three sacks in 15 games, which were all starts.
Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets reacts after a sack against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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New York clearly believes Williams is a key piece of their front seven, and they wouldn’t risk losing him on the open market after the resume he’s churned out the past two seasons.