OCT. 25: The Jets aren’t “actively shopping” or “entertaining moving” Williams, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. It would take a massive offer for the Jets to change their minds.
OCT. 23: With the Nov. 4 trade deadline nearing, a host of Jets have drawn interest from around the NFL. Add defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the list, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. Teams have been inquiring about Williams’ availability, Hughes reports.
Although the Jets are off to a league-worst 0-7 start, first-year general manager Darren Mougey isn’t going to conduct a fire sale or trade anyone for “pennies,” per Hughes. As one of the Jets’ best players, Williams would surely command a significant haul. The Cowboys would have wanted Williams in a potential Micah Parsons trade with the Jets, but Mougey wouldn’t bite on that.
Now 27 years old, Williams joined the Jets as the third overall pick in the 2019 draft. The former Alabama star has continued to hold his own in the pros, where he has racked up 40 sacks and three Pro Bowl nods. Former GM Joe Douglas awarded Williams a four-year, $96MM extension in July 2023, meaning the Jets aren’t in danger of losing him in the immediate future. He’s on the team’s books through 2027.
Williams has just one sack in seven games this year, but he has still been one of the Jets’ few bright spots. The 303-pounder has already forced three fumbles, and he ranks second among defensive tackles in run stop win rate and 20th in pass rush win rate. Pro Football Focus ranks his overall performance eighth among 124 qualifying D-tackles.
Barring an unexpected trade request from Williams, who has yet to make the playoffs in the NFL, it’s hard to believe the Jets will move him over the next week and a half. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson is a more realistic trade candidate, but it doesn’t appear he’s going anywhere. Johnson told Rich Cimini of ESPN.com that he “received” clarity on his status from the front office on Thursday.
“I’m definitely wanted here, and I want to stay here,” Johnson said.
After earning a Pro Bowl trip in 2023, Johnson missed all but two games last season as a result of a torn Achilles. That didn’t stop the Jets from picking up the former first-round pick’s fifth-year option for 2026. Johnson has missed another three games this season with an ankle injury. In the four games he has played, Johnson has collected 16 tackles and a sack. He’s set to earn $13.41MM next year, and based on what Johnson said Thursday, it seems the Jets plan to keep him beyond the deadline.