Reporter Includes Jets amongst 'Five biggest NFL Questions'

NFL Network's Judy Battista says Gang Green has key contract issue to address before training camp

© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com

The New York Jets' defensive centerpiece is looking for a new contract and the negotiations are looming over the franchise as summer begins.

Coming off an All-Pro selection, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was absent from voluntary organized team activities this spring. He and his wife welcomed a child in May as the disruptive defender heads into the fifth-year option season of the rookie contract he signed in 2019.

"Q-Ball [Quinnen Williams], I know they’re about to have a baby, which is awesome. Q, good luck brother." said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh in response to a question about the interior lineman at the start of OTAs Phase 3. "I’m not worried at all. That thing will get done and he’ll be here."

Saleh's comment suggests that Williams will be present when the Jets convene for training camp on July 19, which is 15 days prior to the team's first preseason game (Aug. 3).

NFL Network reporter Judy Battista listed the contract issue amongst the "Five biggest NFL questions as teams break until training camp."

From Battista's NFL.com article:

1) How will the two big contract issues in New York be resolved?

The Jets and Giants each have huge contract decisions looming. ...

Across town, Jets coach Robert Saleh said during OTAs that All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will get a new contract and be in training camp. The defensive tackle market has exploded while Williams has been waiting for his extension  — witness the new deals for Dexter Lawrence and Ed Oliver, for instance — and Williams stayed away from the offseason program and occasionally expressed frustration on social media as time dragged on. For a team that is all in on a Super Bowl push with Aaron Rodgers, getting Williams settled and avoiding any distractions that could accompany a protracted negotiation is paramount.

— Judy Battista

Will the Giants and Saquon Barkley work out a new deal? Who will sign DeAndre Hopkins? As NFL teams take a break before training camp, @judybattista explores the five biggest questions lingering around the leaguehttps://t.co/Loxz93iglh pic.twitter.com/og3VM9qjA6

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 18, 2023

Williams was a dominant force on the NFL's fourth-ranked defense in 2022. The interior lineman made 55 stops over 16 starts and logged 12.0 sacks. He totaled 31 quarterback pressures. 

The 25-year old  Williams has received rave reviews this offseason. Former NFL player-turned-analyst Bucky Brooks listed Williams at No. 7 amongst the "top 10 non-quarterback franchise building blocks." In Sports Illustrated's player position rankings from earlier this month, the Jets' All-Pro defensive tackle ranked seventh overall amongst all linemen (defensive ends included). 

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