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Yes, the New York Jets actually won a game on Sunday, beating the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 39-38. But in reality, they are still just 1-7 with the NFL trade deadline approaching, so they are expected to sell. While Breece Hall, Jermaine Johnson, and Michael Carter II have been the most common names pitched as potential trade candidates before Nov. 4, a much more surprising player has emerged as a possible trade piece: Quinnen Williams. Read more: Raiders Linked to Significant Trade With Unthinkable Team Williams was originally selected by the Jets with the third overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft and has developed into one of the best defensive tackles in football, having made three straight Pro Bowl appearances between 2022 and 2024. He racked up 55 tackles and 12 sacks back in 2022, earning himself a First-Team All-Pro selection. The 27-year-old has not been quite as dominant since that breakout campaign, but he has still been excellent and would absolutely cause waves if he were to hit the trade market over the next week. It may seem wild for New York to even consider moving Williams at this point, but Connor Hughes of SNY has revealed why the Jets may be looking to jettison the University of Alabama product. ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Quinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets looks to the stands after a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills defeated the Jets 40-14. “Williams signed an extension in 2023 that runs through 2027, but this is the final year with significant guaranteed money. Only $5 million of his $20.75 million base salary is guaranteed for 2026, and there are no guarantees in 2027,” Hughes wrote. “The Jets have been unwilling to adjust his contract so far, which makes a trade logical if they don’t plan to do so.” The problem, though, is that Williams’ funky contract situation also complicates what New York could land in a potential trade. “One source believed a contending team might part with a first-round pick for Williams, but most pegged his value lower because of the need to restructure his deal,” Hughes added. “The consensus among sources was a second-round pick plus a Day 3 selection.” Read more: Steelers Predicted to Swing Critical Trade Following Packers Loss Williams is one of the best interior defenders in the game, so the fact that the Jets might not even be able to poach a first-rounder for him is truly shocking. Remember: the Dallas Cowboys were able to bag a pair of first-round draft choices for Micah Parsons even though he was preparing to enter the last year of his contract. The Green Bay Packers then provided him with an extension. Is Williams on the same level as Parsons? No, but he is a game-changer who would elevate any contending team. So perhaps the Jets will be able to squeeze a Day 1 pick out of somebody. If not, they may as well hold on to him. For more on the New York Jets and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
