The New York Jets boast one of the best defenses in football; it was just their offense in 2023 that dismantled their Super Bowl aspirations. However, their linebacker tandem has developed into one of the league’s most dominant, featuring C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams as the primary starters.
Quincy Williams: Rising Star in Linebacker Corps
While Mosley is certainly advancing in age, Williams has blossomed into one of the more underrated linebackers in football, coming off an elite season. Over 1092 snaps, Williams racked up 106 tackles, a 13.2% missed tackle rate, including 516 yards in coverage, four touchdowns allowed, and eight pass breakups. Known more for his run defense than his coverage skills, Williams is on a very favorable deal.
Williams is entering the second year of a three-year, $18 million contract, with only a $7.15 million cap hit this upcoming season and a $6.9 million cap hit in 2025. With his level of production, he could be earning closer to $10 million per season, but the Jets secured his services early. The 27-year-old is providing far more value than his contract stipulates, having only received $9 million at signing with 50% guaranteed.
Having shown inconsistency over the first four years of his career, Williams took a significant step forward in 2023, playing a career-high in snaps and posting triple-digit tackles for the first time.
CJ Mosley: Veteran Leadership Continues to Impress
Mosley, at 32, had a solid campaign last year as well, playing 1,127 snaps and collecting 105 tackles with an 8.8% missed tackle rate. Although he gave up 570 yards in coverage, he managed five pass breakups. Mosley is experiencing a late-career renaissance with the Jets after an initially volatile and inconsistent start with the team. However, he has posted 100 tackles in all three healthy seasons and has been a stalwart in the middle of the Jets’ defense.
The Jets are Positioned Perfectly For a Deep Playoff Run
It appears that Williams could take over as the MIKE linebacker when Mosley’s contract expires after the 2025 season, assuming the Jets retain Quincy beyond that point. The Jets recently extended Mosley for two more years, totaling $17.25 million, reinforcing their commitment to their defensive core.
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With the return of Aaron Rodgers and several key free agents and draft reinforcements, the Jets are well-poised for success. The team is stacked with talent, featuring two above-average linebackers, a dominant pass rush, and an elite secondary, setting the stage for a potentially successful season.