Jets sign linebacker Quincy Williams for 3 years to avoid free agency: report

New York Jets entered into a long-term contract with one of the Williams brothers as linebacker Quincy Williams reportedly agreed to a three-year contract.

The deal could be worth up to $21 million with benefits and includes $9 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN.

Williams was supposed to become a free agent after the new league year began on March 15, but the Jets did not allow any command to be able to sign the budding midfielder. It’s part of head coach Robert Saleh’s desire to have as many players from last season as possible challenge for him for the second season in a row.

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New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) steps sideways at the line of scrimmage to follow play during a game between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Hard Stadium -Rock, Miami Gardens, Florida.

New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) steps sideways at the line of scrimmage to follow play during a game between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Hard Stadium -Rock, Miami Gardens, Florida. (Peter Johnleith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Jets defense ranked fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed per game last year (311.1) and fourth in points allowed per game (18.6).

New York ended up with 7-10 points, so they are actively trying to get Aaron Rogers to Florham Park, New Jersey, to lead the offense because the defense had done their job on the statistical sheet.

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Quincy Williams is the older brother of Quinn Williams of the Jets. 3rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, which fans also hope the team can sign long term. But he still has time to get it as he is in his fifth year in 2023 before becoming a free agent next season.

Quincy Williams began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars after they selected him in the third round from Murray State in the same draft as his younger brother. However, he never stuck in Duval County, playing 18 games (eight starts) with 59 combined tackles.

Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on November 6, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  The Jets defeated the Bills 20-17.

Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on November 6, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Bills 20-17.

The Jets picked him up after withdrawals and he thrived in the 2021 season with 110 tackles (nine for a loss), three forced fumbles, two sacks and five defensive passes.

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Saleh really liked his speed, despite being a little short for a typical midfielder.

Williams followed this up in 2022, when the Jets’ tight-fisted defense made 106 tackles (12 for a loss) with three sacks in 15 games that were starting.

No. 56 Quincy Williams of the New York Jets reacts after being fired against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

No. 56 Quincy Williams of the New York Jets reacts after being fired against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

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New York clearly believes Williams is a key figure in their front seven and they weren’t going to risk losing him in the open market after the resume he’s put together over the last couple of seasons.