Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams reset the NFL market for defensive linemen, but is a former Alabama football standout next to grab big money in the league?
Quinnen Williams, a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had a dominant season in 2022 for the New York Jets.
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The 6-foot-3, 303-pounder led the team in sacks (12) and tied a team-high in tackles for loss (12).
He finished the season with 55 total tackles, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. As a former Unanimous All-American for the Crimson Tide, Williams made first-team NFL All-Pro and his first Pro Bowl in 2022.
The Birmingham (Ala.) native is in the final year of his rookie contract, but a hefty payday could be coming to Williams. After watching Da’Ron Payne (Washington Commanders) and Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans) sign big contracts as defensive linemen, Williams knows he is next. Rich Cimini, an ESPN National Reporter for the Jets, said Williams could be targeting between $23 and $25 million a year on his next deal. The Jets know how important Williams is to the success of its defense.
He helped Alabama secure a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
