NY Jets DT Quinnen Williams demands a new contract this offseason

NY Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has made his intentions clear. He wants to get paid — and he wants his money sooner rather than later. More specifically before April's OTAs arrive.

Williams spoke to reporters on Monday and emphasized that he wants a contract extension this offseason. If not, Williams said that he won't attend the team's voluntary offseason program that begins in April after the 2023 NFL Draft.

The third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract and is due to make $9.6 million in 2023. However, following a breakout All-Pro-caliber season, Williams is clearly looking to receive a new deal that pays him what he's worth.

Williams has remained quiet and patient in regard to extension talks. He didn't make a stink about it last offseason and didn't discuss his contract situation with the media all season. Now that the season is over, though, he wants his new contract.

"Everybody knows I’m a team guy, man. But I do want to get a contract done before the offseason program. I do feel like I deserve to get a contract done before the offseason program just because I did everything right on the field and everything right off the field. Having the organization behind me just like I’m behind them to show that they really support me is a major thing for me."

Quinnen Williams

Quinnen Williams deserves a new contract from the NY Jets

Williams has done everything you can ask of a franchise superstar needing a new contract. He's remained patient and taken a team-friendly approach to extension conversations.

There's no denying his talent on the field either. Williams was one of the best overall defensive players in football this season and seems likely to be named All-Pro in the near future. On top of that, he's one of the most beloved and respected players in that locker room.

This is the exact type of player you pay and make a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future. Williams deserves his money, and he's certainly been reasonable with this entire process.

Aaron Donald is currently the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL with an AAV of $31.67 million. There's a steep drop-off to DeForest Buckner, the second-highest-paid defensive tackle, making $21 million AAV.

Expect Williams to want somewhere between Donald and Buckner money with guarantees exceeding $40 million. That's market value for a 25-year-old All-Pro defensive tackle coming off a career year.

Quinnen Williams has done everything right by the Jets. He's been accommodating, uncomplaining, and patient, all the while proving his worth on and off the field.

Now, it's up to the Jets do right by their star player. Pay the man.