Meet the New York Jets Leader Not Named Aaron Rodgers

The Jets have tightened the bolts on the defense. After Aaron Rodgers‘ blockbuster trade in April, they have struck a monstrous deal now. The franchise inked  All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for a four-year, $96 million contract extension that includes $66 million guaranteed, last week. The deal is the highest guarantee in team history, eclipsing linebacker C.J. Mosley’s $51 million signing bonus as a free agent in 2019. It also makes William the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league,  with the $24 million annual average value of his salary.

The Jets’ defense, which ranked fourth last season in yards allowed and scoring, is hopeful now that they have secured a crucial puzzle piece.

A long-awaited deal for Williams

The 25-year-old was nabbed as the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Sources: Jets, star DT Quinnen Williams reach $96M deal – ESPN. The All-pro DT had an impressive last season, where he reached a career-high 12 sacks. He also had 55 combined tackles including 35 solo tackles. He scored a pressure percentage of 13.4%, the highest recorded among qualified interior linemen, according to NextGen Stats.

The former Alabama standout has been engaged in intense contract negotiations complicated by Rodgers’ acquisition, with the franchise for pretty much the entirety of this offseason.  Williams did not shy away from expressing his annoyance and changed his bio on Twitter to “Defensive Tackle for ……………….”, taking a jab at the team. His profile picture sported him in an Alabama uniform, rather than a Jets jersey.

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Now that things have fallen into place, Williams is ready to jump back in action and rejoin the training camps, after staying away from the offseason workout program this spring.

An optimistic season ahead

Williams is absolutely elated to be back with the team as he was all smiles when he showed up at the training camp report day on Wednesday.

“Feels good to be back with my brothers, feels good to be back with the team. A rush of emotions,” a grinning Williams said. “Can’t wait to start this journey, this year. Get to the level that we think we can get to, “He added.

Williams has nothing but lofty goals for this season.

“That’s the goal to be the No. 1 defense in the NFL. We’ve got the guys in our room, guys who had phenomenal talent last year and are getting better every single day now, who can be better than they were last year.”

He further added. “We’ve got guys who haven’t even scratched the surface last year who can be better.”

And with securing a key weapon and Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Green Gang is going all in.

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