Leonard Williams needs huge season for future contract

Defensive end Leonard Williams might be coming off a lackluster season but the potential is there for him to be the next top player on the New York Jets defense. Williams will need a blockbuster season in 2018 to earn his next contract extension.

When it comes to defensive end Leonard Williams, he’s all about football, making an impact, and leading by example. Despite coming off a lackluster season, Williams has the potential to be an anchor on the New York Jets defensive line for many years to come.

How many years? Your guess is as good as mine but it’s expected that the Jets will likely address his contract extension in 2019. It’s no secret that the Jets believe Williams can be a centerpiece on defense but they’re also likely wary about shelling out a plethora of money unless they’re certain he’s going to continue being an impact player in the future.

Last season, Williams only totaled 22 tackles, one interception, and two sacks. He was double-teamed a lot and was dealing with a lingering wrist injury that limited his ability to get the job done. Regardless, 2018 will either be a year of redemption or a year of regret.

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Recently this week, Williams was asked when he thought a new contract extension with the Jets would eventually happen. Being a professional on and off the field, Williams answered it the best way possible.

In an article written by Brian Costello of the New York Post, here is what Williams said about the thought of this future contract extension:

“The contract’s going to come,” Williams said Tuesday. “There’s no pressure for it. I’m not like thirsty for it or anything like that. I just want to keep working hard and keep focusing on year by year and just making myself the best possible and helping my team be the best possible, and the money will come.”

Williams knows his time will come and is wisely focused on at the task at hand in bouncing back in 2018 which obviously should be his top priority. He’s effectively playing for his future contract and pride. Williams and other key players on the Jets are irked that they ended the past two seasons with losing records of 5-11.

Both will undoubtedly fuel Williams to push the envelope and above all else, prove his worth. Williams must have a huge year, one that could be his best season yet to make up for his lack of impact in 2017. Otherwise, he won’t get that massive contract extension he’s likely seeking.

Overall, expect to see Williams put in more work, hustle, and display his leadership on a consistent basis. He’s been stepping up his game by being vocal on the field and developing into a future leader that can rally his teammates when they need it most during key moments of football games. This is a hopefully a good sign of great things to come this upcoming season.