Williams’ game has steadily declined since his 2023 season when he had a career-best 139 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed and an interception.
He currently ranks 57th out of 82, according to Pro Football Focus, with an overall grade of 55.2. That’s down from 32nd out of 83 in 2024 (68.0 rating) and 10th out of 83 in 2023 (81.1 rating).
Expect to see more roles for freshman Francisco Mauigoa, who has started since Williams’ injury, and sixth-year pro Mykal Walker moving forward.
Williams, along with running back Breece Hall and tight end Jermaine Johnson II, were believed to have been part of New York’s trade at Tuesday’s trade deadline. New York traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts, then traded three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who is also Quincy’s brother, to the Cowboys.
When the dust cleared on Tuesday, Quincy Williams remained in New York, facing the new reality of life as a backup with his brother on another team.
“I don’t know,” Williams said Wednesday when asked if he thought he would be part of the Jets’ trade deadline. “I came into Monday with 2s, so I didn’t really understand what was going on. I had those thoughts, too, but that was one of the things I told the Jets that I wanted to be a Jet long term.”
Williams, who is set for free agency in 2026, said Wednesday he didn’t have time to make his brother a delivery to Dallas.
“I don’t really have time to think about it,” Williams said. “I’ve been minding my own business. Just getting on the field, getting my starting spot back. That’s really what I’ve been doing. I don’t really have enough time to take it all in. But I talked to him earlier this morning. He’s doing well.”
The Jets (2-7) host the Cleveland Browns (2-7) on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.