Jets send clear message with astronomical Quinnen Williams trade price

The New York Jets are fielding offers on a variety of players ahead of this week's NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4. One high-profile player who has understandably garnered interest around the league is defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Williams is arguably the best player on the Jets' roster, and with the team staring at a 1-7 record coming out of their bye week, it's understandable that general managers around the NFL have been calling to check on his availability.

The Jets, however, don't seem to have any plans to move their superstar defensive lineman. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported last week that the Jets are "highly unlikely" to trade Williams, insisting that the team "wouldn’t even have a conversation about Williams unless a trade involved multiple first-round picks."

ESPN's Rich Cimini doubled down on that notion, suggesting that "barring an offer they can't refuse," the Jets are not expected to trade Williams. It's hard to see any team offering the deal the Jets are looking for.

Jets unlikely to trade Quinnen Williams ahead of Tuesday's deadline

It makes sense that Williams would generate interest from NFL teams in need of a high-level defensive lineman. The three-time Pro Bowler has just $5 million remaining in guarantees on his current contract and will likely be looking either for a new or reworked deal in the offseason.

There are also rumblings around the league that Williams is unhappy and "tired of losing," per Rosenblatt. With a somewhat contentious contract situation and an increasingly frustrated star player, it makes sense that teams would be calling.

Williams is also still playing at an incredibly high level. The former Alabama standout leads all qualified interior defensive linemen with a 90.8 Pro Football Focus run defense grade and has recorded 25 run stops, six more than any other player at his position, despite playing one fewer game than some.

His pass-rush production has dipped compared to recent seasons, but that’s partly due to the lack of help around him and opposing quarterbacks getting the ball out quickly. Even so, his 19 pressures remain well above average for his position.

Williams is a cornerstone of the Jets' roster and a locker room leader — the team clearly isn't motivated to move him unless they receive a ridiculous trade offer. The assumption around the league is that Williams' market value is closer to a late first-round pick or even a second-round pick.

You never know, but it’s highly unlikely the Jets receive the kind of offer it would take to move him. Unless a team presents an unexpected haul, all signs point to Williams remaining with the Jets beyond Tuesday’s deadline.

What happens after that in the offseason is anyone's guess.