Jets’ Robert Saleh confident Quinnen Williams deal “will go through” in time for camp

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — For weeks, New York Jets have expressed optimism about their chances of signing star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for a contract extension. They took it to another level Tuesday, with coach Robert Saleh matter-of-factly stating that Williams, absent from voluntary workouts, will report to training camp on a new deal.

“I speak for everyone, I probably speak for Quinnen, in the sense that we all want to finish sooner rather than later,” Saleh before practice. “I’ll let the executives take care of all that, but it’s going to come together. He’ll be here for camp. He’ll be ready and once he’s ready, I’m sure he’ll be the same guy who was here.”

The question of whether Williams will show up for next week’s mandatory minicamp is moot, as Saleh announced he was canceling it. He cited the early reporting date for training camp as the main reason and said he wants to give the players a break after a productive offseason.

Because they will play in the Hall of Fame Game on August 3 (they will face the Cleveland Browns in Canton, Ohio), the Jets will open camp a week earlier than usual. No date has been announced, but it will be around July 19.

The 25-year-old Williams, who is due to make a guaranteed $9.6 million in the final year of his contract (his fifth-year option), said after the season he would not report until he receives a contract extension. In fact, he has stayed away from all voluntary training, more than once voicing his frustration on social media.

The two sides have spoken sporadically throughout the offseason, with team officials providing positive updates at every turn.

The defensive tackle market has exploded in recent months, with Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans), Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants) y Daron Payne (Washington Commanders) earning extensions in the range of $22.5 million to $23.5 million per year. Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams) is the highest-paid defensive tackle at $31.7 million per year.

Williams, coming off a 12-sack season that led to first-team All-Pro names, is believed to be seeking at least $23.5 million a year.

Meanwhile, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned to practice after missing more than a week with a right calf strain. Rodgers participated in all drills except the 11-on-11 period.

Although the practices are non-contact, Saleh said he wanted to keep Rodgers out of harm’s way in full-squad drills. Saleh didn’t cancel minicamp because of Rodgers’ injury; he made the decision several weeks ago.