Move over, Aaron Rodgers. There’s a new New York Jets diva in town.
Not even a month after the Aaron Rodgers trade drama, another crater has hit the New York Jets franchise.
In today’s breaking news edition of NFL players’ social media activity, Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has just removed his team name from his Twitter page.
Williams’ new Twitter bio reads: “Defensive Tackle for ……….” In other words, fill in the blank with any NFL team because Williams doesn’t hold any allegiance to the Jets anymore.
This is happening amid contract negotiations between the Jets and the star tackle as Williams is currently set to play out the fifth-year option of his rookie deal in 2023.
His expected $9.6 million salary for 2023 ranks well below that of the market’s premier defensive lineman: Titans’ DT Jeffery Simmons just got his bag at $23.5 million a year, as did Commanders’ Daron Payne and Giants’ Dexter Lawrence ($22.5 million).
Williams seem to be trying to make a statement with his latest social media antics, a not-so-veiled threat at Joe Douglas and the Jets’ front office to extend him this offseason — or else.
Quinnen Williams scrubs Jets from his Twitter bio, more drama to come
Douglas has continued to preach patience and optimism regarding a finalized extension for Williams, or he may simply be buying himself more time.
During Williams’ tumultuous contract war this offseason, many of his teammates have publicly tweeted their support for the young defensive tackle, and it’ll all come down to how badly the Jets want to keep Williams.
The former first-rounder has arguably exceeded expectations through his four years in New York; Williams dominated in 2022, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors with a career-high 12 sacks, 55 combined tackles, 28 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 16 games.
After last season, Williams voiced his opinion loud and clear and said:
“Everybody knows I’m a team guy. Everybody knows that I believe in the team and want to put the team first and different things like that, but I do want to get a contract done before the offseason program.”
Any future extension will likely fall between the deals of Aaron Donald and Jeffery Simmons, the two stalwarts reigning at the top of the defensive tackle contract totem pole.
Like so many disgruntled NFL stars before him, Williams is making his frustrations known using one of the most common tactics at players’ disposal. Will the Jets listen or look the other way?
