Quincy Williams, linebacker for the New York Jets, has confirmed that he has lost his starting position on the team”s defense. The news comes amid swirling trade rumors surrounding the Jets as the NFL”s trade deadline approaches.
After practice on Wednesday, Williams expressed his surprise at the change, stating, “I came in on Monday and I was a 2 (backup), so I didn”t really understand what was going on.” He noted that he had considered the possibility of being traded, especially after he returned from the bye week. Despite these thoughts, Williams had previously communicated his desire to remain with the Jets long-term.
While Quincy Williams stays with the Jets, his brother, Quinnen, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, and cornerback Sauce Gardner was sent to the Indianapolis Colts in separate high-profile deals. When asked about his future with the Jets, Quincy responded affirmatively, saying, “Yeah, I want to play football.” He is determined to contribute to the team.
In his fifth season with the Jets, Williams was initially acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and quickly established himself as a key player. However, under new head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Williams has faced challenges and missed four games due to a shoulder injury. In a recent game against Cincinnati, he recorded seven combined tackles and contributed defensively.
Williams acknowledged his struggles, admitting, “My coaches told me I was underperforming… since training camp.” He signed a three-year, $18 million contract extension in 2023 and is currently in the final year of that deal.
In other news, Breece Hall, a running back for the Jets, has also been the focus of trade speculation in recent months. However, he dismissed claims that he had requested a trade. When asked about the possibility of being moved, Hall said, “I don”t think it”s up to a player to be traded.” He emphasized that he was resigned to whatever decisions the team made regarding trades.
Hall, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has been performing well, rushing for 581 yards and two touchdowns this season, averaging five yards per carry. He has also made contributions in the passing game, with 21 catches for 178 yards, including a touchdown pass that secured the Jets” first win of the season against Cincinnati.
Coach Glenn reiterated his commitment to Hall, stating, “Breece was not a guy I wanted to get rid of. I mean, he”s a damn good player.” He has consistently maintained that Hall is a valuable asset to the team.
