The NFL teams are heading towards their training camps. High time to bring the big contract extensions on the stage. The New York Jets signed defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to a lucrative contract Thursday. League-wide, however, this should soon be topped.
Oh happy days: Quinnen Williams will earn at least $66 million over the next four years. IMAGO/Icon Sportswire
Williams, who skipped the Jets’ voluntary training sessions and most recently removed the team name from his Twitter profile, has been given a new four-year deal with the Jets worth $96 million. 66 million of them are guaranteed, more than ever before in franchise history.
The defensive tackle had a terrific season in 2022, averaging 12 sacks and 55 tackles in 16 games. He was named to the First-Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.
Only Donald earns more at the position
The 25-year-old was entering the final year of his rookie deal but felt it was time for a payday. He got it now. In the NFL, only Aaron Donald earns more than the average annual salary at the defensive tackle position. His six-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams is worth $135 million.
The Jets, who want to play in the concert of the greats next season after signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, had chosen Williams in third place in the 2019 draft.
Paydays await Jones and Bosa
Before Williams, several defensive linemen had already received major contracts in the offseason. Jeffrey Simmons (Tennessee Titans, four years, 94 million), Daron Payne (Washington Commanders, four years, 90 million) and Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants, four years, 90 million) signed lucrative deals, among other things.
However, these values are likely to be topped in the near future. With Chris Jones at Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Nick Bosa the San Francisco 49ers have two defensive stars facing big paydays. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year could replace Donald as the NFL’s highest-paid defenseman.
Another price range higher: Quarterback stars before extensions
The following usually applies in these cases: the later the conclusion, the higher the contract volume. This is especially true for the quarterback market, where some “highest-paying contracts in NFL history” should still be expected this summer. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) had both signed early in the offseason. With Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), two of the league’s biggest budding quarterback stars should also be picking up pencils in the coming weeks.
2023-07-17 07:24:10
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