Quinnen Williams has become one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.
The Jets' star lineman is coming off an All-Pro season for New York in which he tallied career-highs in sacks (12), quarterback hits (28) and tackles for loss (12). According to multiple reports, he received a four-year, $96 million extension that makes him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL in terms of average annual value (AAV).
The move is a win for both the Jets and Williams. New York no longer needs to worry about any negotiation-related tensions in what was going to be the final year of Williams' rookie contract; the team had publicly expressed optimism a deal would get done, even as Williams skipped the team's mandatory minicamp and removed the Jets from his Twitter bio (it has since been re-added).
Meanwhile, Williams now has a deal that not only reflects his status as one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL, but also compares favorably to others at his position who received extensions this offseason. That includes Daron Payne and fellow 2019 draftees Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence and Ed Oliver.
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Indeed, Williams trails only Aaron Donald of the Rams in terms of AAV. But his contract, as negotiated by agent Nicole Lynn, trumps even Donald's in some aspects. Here's everything you need to know about his' extension in New York, and how it compares with other players at his position:
Quinnen Williams contract details
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Williams' contract extension will see him make $96 million over four years. It also includes $66 million guaranteed.
This section will be updated.
Highest-paid NFL defensive tackles in 2023
Williams' deal represents the highest total contract ever for a defensive tackle, eclipsing Donald's $95 million contract by $1 million. Williams also received $1 million more in guarantees ($66 million, to Donald's $65 million).
Where Donald's contract dwarfs Williams' is in AAV: The Rams defensive tackle has a three-year deal, not a four-year deal; as such, his contract has an AAV of $31.67 million, the most ever for a non-quarterback.
MORE: The NFL's highest-paid players on defense in 2023
Still, Williams has not only the second-highest AAV of any defensive tackle in the league, but also a top-five AAV among all defensive players (trailing Donald and EDGE rushers T.J. Watt, Joey Bosa and Myles Garrett).
Here's how Williams' contract compares to other interior defensive linemen by Over The Cap:
Players ranked in terms of AAV
| Player | Team | Total value | Guarantees | AAV |
| 1. Aaron Donald | Rams | $95 million | $65 million | $31.67 million |
| 2. Quinnen Williams | Jets | $96 million | $66 million | $24 million |
| 3. Jeffery Simmons | Titans | $94 million | $59.33 million | $23.5 million |
| T-4. Daron Payne | Commanders | $90 million | $60.02 million | $22.5 million |
| T-4. Dexter Lawrence | Giants | $90 million | $59 million | $22.5 million |
| T-6. DeForest Buckner | Colts | $84 million | $56.38 million | $21 million |
| T-6. Javon Hargrave | 49ers | $84 million | $40 million | $21 million |
| T-6. Leonard Williams | Giants | $63 million | $45 million | $21 million |
| 9. Chris Jones | Chiefs | $80 million | $60 million | $20 million |
| 10. Jonathan Allen | Commanders | $72 million | $35.64 million | $18 million |
