Robert Saleh vows that the NY Jets will extend Quinnen Williams

The NY Jets kicked off the OTAs portion of their offseason program this week, but star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was not in attendance. Williams stayed true to his promise to hold out of voluntary team workouts until he receives a new contract.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke to the media following Tuesday's open-media practice and, as should be expected, he was asked about the latest with Williams' situation.

Saleh dismissed any concerns about Williams' contract status, telling reporters that he was "not worried at all." In fact, Saleh went as far as to essentially guarantee that Williams will be extended.

The third-year head coach told the media that an extension "will get done" and that Williams will "be here." That's as strong of a confirmation as we've heard to this point.

General manager Joe Douglas has insisted that the team is "optimistic" about extension talks, but he's stopped short of going as far as Saleh did. The Jets' head coach is very confident that Williams will be extended sooner rather than later.

The NY Jets are confident that a Quinnen Williams extension will get done

Williams is fresh off a breakout 2022 season in which he finished with a team-leading 12 sacks and 28 QB hits en route to being named to his first Pro Bowl and earning first-team All-Pro honors. He was one of just four players in the entire NFL to receive a first-place vote for Defensive Player of the Year.

While the defensive tackle market has exploded this offseason with the likes of Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence, and Daron Payne all receiving new contracts, Williams has yet to receive his new deal.

In theory, Williams is still under contract for this season, and the Jets could place the franchise tag on him at the end of the year, but the same was true for Simmons and Lawrence.

It makes little sense for the Jets to wait as they risk alienating their superstar. Not to mention, the price tag should only continue to go up with players like Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins also in search of new deals.

The next stage in these ongoing negotiations is next month when mandatory minicamp begins. The Jets could theoretically fine Williams for not attending, although it's unclear what he or the team plans to do.

Robert Saleh believes that the Jets will work out an extension before long. Here's to hoping that he's right.