Jets Sign Quinnen Williams Opening Door For Chiefs And Chris Jones

The New York Jets have signed All-Pro defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to a four-year, $96 million contract, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. It is stated that $66 million is guaranteed.

Williams, 25, was still under contract with the Jets through 2023, according to his rookie contract. It is claimed to be the largest second contract ever given to a defensive lineman.

The #Jets and All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams agreed to terms on a four-year, $96 million megadeal — the largest second contract ever for a defensive tackle, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Williams gets $66 million in guarantees in the deal negotiated by @AgentNicoleLynn. pic.twitter.com/onRE29sJx0

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 13, 2023

So, why are we concerned? Because it is commonly assumed that discussions between the Kansas City Chiefs and defensive lineman Chris Jones have been stalled until Williams’ deal is signed. The Williams agreement is expected to serve as a yardstick for the two parties’ future discussions.

Jones, like Williams, is a top-5, first-time All-Pro defensive lineman who is entering the last year of his current deal in 2023. But, unlike Williams, Jones, 29, is looking for his third (and maybe final) long-term NFL deal.

Jones’ current contract (signed in 2020) pays him $20 million per year in average annual value (AAV). Will he now be able to negotiate a contract extension that pays him more than the $24 million AAV Williams is due to earn? Will Jones’ age influence the discussions, allowing the Chiefs to secure a better deal for their standout defensive lineman?

Those are still up in the air. However, it looks like the two parties have finally reached an agreement.