New report reveals just how ugly things got between Quinnen Williams and the Jets

It turns out the Quinnen Williams trade wasn’t as sudden as it seemed. The former star defensive tackle of the New York Jets reportedly wanted out — and he didn't just ask once...or twice.

SNY's Connor Hughes is reporting that the former All-Pro defensive tackle had requested a trade from the Jets three separate times before Tuesday’s blockbuster deal that sent him to the Dallas Cowboys.

What looked from the outside like a shocking midseason fire sale was, in reality, the result of months of internal friction and frustration between Williams and the Jets. Hughes reports that Williams’ relationship with the Jets began to deteriorate when the team decided to move on from Aaron Rodgers earlier this year.

Things reached a breaking point when head coach Aaron Glenn openly criticized Williams — both privately and publicly — calling out his effort and leadership. From that moment on, Williams made it clear he wanted out.

He reportedly told the Jets he had no interest in an extension unless his contract was reworked. The team refused. And by the time trade talks began, the damage was irreparable. What followed was one of the most stunning breakups in franchise history.

Quinnen Williams requested a trade from the Jets multiple times

Williams’ frustrations with the Jets weren’t exactly a secret, but it’s noteworthy how he handled them. Despite reportedly requesting a trade multiple times behind closed doors, he never made those grievances public. Instead, Williams carried himself like a professional, showing up, doing his job, and keeping any tension with the organization strictly internal.

The Jets don't get the haul they did — a 2026 second-round pick, the higher of two 2027 first-round picks, and DT Mazi Smith — if he were to have publicly requested a trade. The situation was handled internally, and both sides eventually benefited as a result.

In reality, the Jets were backed into a corner. Williams had just $5 million remaining in guarantees on his current deal and had informed the Jets, according to Hughes, that he had no plans to sign a new contract in New York.

The fact that the Jets managed to secure such an incredible trade package makes the situation even more remarkable in hindsight. And while the front office deserves credit for the return, Williams also deserves praise for the professionalism he showed throughout a turbulent stretch that easily could’ve turned messy.

Williams was unhappy in New York — more so than anyone on the outside probably realized. His relationship with both Aaron Glenn and the Jets had deteriorated essentially to the point of no return.

This was an unfortunately necessary split for both sides. In the end, it was a tough but necessary breakup — the Jets get their haul, Williams gets his fresh start, and both sides move on