The New York Jets appear poised to move on from several players linked to the Robert Saleh era as new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn initiates a roster rebuild aligned with his vision. Following the trade of Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for valuable draft assets, his brother and linebacker Quincy Williams may also be on the verge of departure.
Williams struggled this past season due to inconsistent play, a misfit within Glenn and former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ system, and a noticeable drop in effort toward the end of the year. These factors suggest Williams might prefer to continue his career on a team that better suits his strengths.
Potential Opportunities with Titans and Falcons
Williams’ timing in hitting free agency coincides with favorable circumstances, as his former Jets head coach Robert Saleh now leads the Tennessee Titans and former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich resumes control of the Atlanta Falcons’ defense. Both franchises currently require reinforcements at linebacker, presenting viable landing spots for Williams.
FOX Sports evaluates that either Tennessee or Atlanta would be logical destinations for Williams, given both teams operate defensive schemes that previously allowed him to showcase his athleticism and achieve All-Pro recognition.
Performance Challenges and Age Concerns
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams ranked 76th out of 88 qualified linebackers overall, with an 80th place finish in coverage grades, highlighting coverage as a particular weakness last year. Alongside the regression of teammate Jamien Sherwood, Williams frequently faced targeted passes, exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
At nearly 30 years old in the upcoming season, Williams’ reliance on speed and downhill explosiveness raises concerns about his ability to regain peak form. The physical demands of his style may limit his effectiveness as he ages.
Coaching Familiarity Could Boost Williams’ Prospects
Despite a disappointing season, Williams has a chance to revive his career under the coaching of Saleh or Ulbrich, both recognized for quickly revitalizing defenses, especially when empowered to leverage a dynamic linebacker like Williams. This familiarity may aid in optimizing his skill set and returning him to impact player status.
The split between Williams and the Jets appears amicable but driven by performance and scheme fit. Given that several of his former New York coaches are now in leadership roles elsewhere, Williams is expected to attract interest from teams seeking to harness his potential within a more suitable defensive context.
