Jets should consider trading Leonard Williams

Despite recent reports that the New York Jets are likely to keep defensive lineman Leonard Williams, the team should still consider trading him.

The New York Jets are still looking to further clean house while adding key players and coaching staff who possess solid potential. Tough decisions are going to have to be made as the team looks forward towards 2019.

One of the decisions should be trading away defensive lineman Leonard Williams, despite a recent report indicating that he will remain a Jet. As per Manish Mehta of the Daily News, the Jets don’t plan on trading Williams.

It appears that the Jets are looking to keep the talented Williams. Williams, who is 24 years old, hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype. This past season Williams did not impress at all picking up with 42 tackles and five sacks. The Jets are in need of production and dependable players, and trading the USC alumni could very well work wonders, especially while the team is rebuilding.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

While Williams has age on his side, the Jets need to see the 2016 Pro Bowler step up his game completely. It’s now or never for Williams to prove that he belongs on a progressing team that is focused on an “out with the old and in with the new” mindset.

The Jets clearly see potential in Williams to have a bounce-back season. If doesn’t play up to expectations this upcoming season, the Jets should definitely part ways. However, they can avoid that route entirely by trading Williams for a few draft picks as he has been a huge let down for this team needing everyone to bring their ‘A’ game.

Not all hope is lost, however, it’s clear Williams has things to prove. With the Jets likely switching to a 4-3 defensive scheme under the recently hired Gregg Williams, Williams might be more of a fit. But the struggling former first-round draft pick has had a couple years to follow up on his stellar sophomore campaign. Unfortunately, he has not to this point.

All in all, Williams has had a few years to impress. Despite tough times, the Jets needed him this year and he simply disappointed. Williams can be another team’s turnaround project and the Jets could likely get a second or third round pick in exchange for him. It could work out as a complete steal if the Jets can get something good in return for him.