NY Jets and Quinnen Williams 'not far apart' on extension talks

We have progress! For months, the NY Jets and Quinnen Williams haven't exactly made much progress with extension talks, but for the first time this offseason, it seems as though the two sides are closing in on a deal.

Brian Costello of the New York Post reported on Sunday that the Jets and Williams are "not that far apart" and that "there is hope something could happen in the next few weeks."

Numerous reports over the last couple of months have suggested that very little progress has been made between the two sides, so it's certainly encouraging to see that the Jets are moving in the right direction.

Costello also reported that this isn't a Jamal Adams-like situation. The Jets "value" Williams and expect him to be a long-term member of the organization.

Head coach Robert Saleh essentially promised reporters last week that an extension will get done sooner rather than later. Not only was Saleh not concerned, but he appeared confident that a deal will be reached. It seems as though that wasn't just talk.

The NY Jets should extend Quinnen Williams before training camp

Williams has not been in attendance for the Jets' offseason program to this point, fulfilling a promise he made back in January. The All-Pro defensive tackle insisted that he would not show up for the voluntary portion of the Jets' offseason without a new contract.

That has remained the case throughout OTAs. The next real "test" will be the Jets' mandatory minicamp which runs from June 13-15. If Williams doesn't show up for that, the Jets could theoretically fine him, although it remains to be seen if they'd go that far.

Either way, it seems clear that the Jets must work out an extension with Williams before training camp in July. It doesn't benefit either side to continue waiting.

The price tag on Williams' deal continues to go up, especially with the likes of Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins also seeking new deals this offseason. It also makes little sense to alienate one of your star players, who has the support of the locker room.

The market has been set. The Jets have every incentive in the world to extend their superstar defensive lineman as soon as possible. Thankfully, it appears as though we might finally be reaching a conclusion.

Don't be surprised if a Quinnen Williams extension happens sometime next month, preferably prior to the start of mandatory minicamp.