NY Jets controversial draft favorite could lead to Quincy Williams trade

A new name has rapidly emerged as possibly the odds-on favorite to be the New York Jets’ selection at No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft later tonight, Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.

Widely regarded as one of the most versatile and polarizing prospects in this class, Walker would be a surprising pick at this spot, especially given the team’s more obvious needs on offense.

Still, with multiple reports now linking him to the Jets, the buzz surrounding the explosive defender is impossible to ignore. If the Jets do make Walker their top choice, it won’t just raise eyebrows from a schematic standpoint — it could also set off a ripple effect across the roster.

The biggest name to watch in that scenario is Quincy Williams. The All-Pro linebacker is coming off another excellent season, but his future in New York remains uncertain. Trade rumors would only grow if the Walker selection actually occurs.

Jalon Walker draft pick could signal the end of Quincy Williams on the NY Jets

Walker is a true chess piece on defense, capable of lining up at off-ball linebacker, on the edge, or even in coverage. That versatility has made him an intriguing fit for Aaron Glenn’s new-look defense.

The 21-year-old actually led Georgia in pressures this past season despite playing the seventh-most pass-rush snaps on the team. Walker is an extremely high-upside prospect who has drawn comparisons to the likes of Micah Parsons and (prime) Haason Reddick. His arrival could be bad news for Williams, however.

The former waiver-wire pickup is entering the final year of a team-friendly, three-year, $18 million contrac he signed prior to his breakout 2023 season. He's one of the most underpaid players at any position in the NFL.

The Jets re-signed fellow linebacker Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position. It's safe to say Williams is likely seeking a new contract.

The issue is that it's rare to see NFL teams invest heavily in multiple off-ball linebackers. No NFL team currently pays two off-ball linebackers at least $8 million per year. In fact, all 24 of the highest-paid players at the position (by average annual value) are spread across 24 different teams.

It's also important to note that big-money contracts for aging off-ball linebackers — Williams will turn 29 before Week 1 — have not aged well in recent NFL history. All of this points to the Jets opting to move on from Williams instead of giving him a new deal.

The Jets could choose to keep Williams on the roster in 2025 and have him play out the final year of his deal, but things could get complicated if the Alabama native pushes back. Williams feels like a prime candidate to request either a new contract or a trade, and it’s possible those conversations have already started.

Drafting Walker might just accelerate that process. The Georgia product doesn't project as a full-time off-ball linebacker at the next level, but he can help fill Williams' role while also doubling as a rotational edge rusher.

Williams is a very realistic trade candidate regardless of the direction the Jets take in Round 1, but if they go the Walker route, it only increases the likelihood that his time in New York is nearing an end.

NY Jets controversial draft favorite could lead to Quincy Williams trade

Jalon Walker draft pick could signal the end of Quincy Williams on the NY Jets

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