NY Jets DT Quinnen Williams extension is 'not imminent'

The NY Jets' offseason program is set to begin this Monday, and barring an unexpected last-minute turn of events, star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will not be in attendance.

Williams insisted back in January that he would not attend the voluntary portion of the Jets' offseason program, which includes OTAs later next month, without a new contract.

The Jets and Williams have been discussing an extension for months, but as we sit here in the middle of April, they don't appear to be particularly close to a deal.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported earlier this week that "no agreement is imminent" between Williams and the Jets. Both sides remain motivated to get a deal done at some point this offseason, but it almost certainly isn't going to happen before the team's offseason program begins.

There's no reason to be concerned about Quinnen Williams' contract status...yet

The defensive tackle market has exploded this offseason, with the likes of Daron Payne and Jeffery Simmons receiving hefty new extensions. Free agent Javon Hargrave also landed a four-year, $84 million contract in free agency.

It's only going up from here, too, with young stars like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins also in need of new deals. Williams is expected to top them all in terms of annual value and guaranteed money.

There's every reason to believe that the Jets will eventually work out a deal with their star defender. Despite their unspectacular recent history with extending first-round picks, Williams is 25 years old, coming off an All-Pro season, and is a franchise cornerstone.

Not to mention his brother, Quincy Williams, was just re-signed to a three-year deal this offseason. There's no reason why the Jets and Williams shouldn't be able to come to an agreement.

The Jets have essentially just put extension talks on the back burner for now. The Aaron Rodgers saga has delayed many of the team's offseason moves, and the Jets seem comfortable waiting until after the draft to extend Williams.

This isn't an issue. Williams can miss the start of the offseason program. He can miss OTAs next month. The real issue comes if Williams isn't extended before the start of mandatory minicamp on June 13th.

Williams is subject to fines if he continues to hold out through minicamp and training camp the following month. The Jets, and everyone involved, hope it doesn't get to that point.

As for now, it's still business as usual for Williams and the Jets. Williams likely won't show up on Monday, but the Jets have been preparing and expecting that for months.

As long as a deal is reach before the middle of June, there's nothing to worry about.