Former Jets first round pick Quinnen Williams has been at the forefront of trade rumors this offseason, with many projecting the 23-year-old defensive lineman to be a necessary inclusion in a trade for a superstar quarterback like Deshaun Watson.
But even after a frustrating 2-14 finish last season, Williams doesn’t want to go anywhere, telling CBS Sports Radio’s Zach Gelb on Wednesday that he would be “disappointed” if the Jets were to trade him, and if it were up to him, he would remain with Gang Green for his entire NFL career.
“Yeah, I’d be disappointed,” Williams said of a potential trade to the Texans. “I really want to be a Jet for life. I like New York and I want to play in New York. I’d be disappointed if they traded me and didn’t tell me.”
Williams, who has been a focal point of mock trades involving Watson after recording 7.0 sacks last season, has tried to keep his focus on the season ahead and not the trade noise that has been unrelenting since reports of Watson wanting out of Houston. Trade rumors have only heated up even more since Russell Wilson has become a potential target, and the Jets being one of the teams named as a potential landing spot.
“Honestly, I just handle what I can handle and control what I can control,” Williams said. “I just go after it and work as hard as I can and play with the team that I’m on. Hopefully it’s the Jets so I can play for Coach [Robert] Saleh. But I just work my hardest so I can be the best player I can be.”
Williams isn’t the only Jet linked to trade proposals, as Sam Darnold’s future in New York has been in question as the Jets prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft with their No. 2 overall pick. New York could take a quarterback at No. 2 or try and use the pick in a package for a deal with Houston or Seattle for Watson or Wilson, but if they decide to try Darnold for another season, Williams will be among those excited to watch him take the field.
“That’s all out of my control, but I feel like Sam Darnold is a great leader, a great athlete and a great player,” Williams said. “He makes some amazing throws, some amazing decisions when he has the ball in his hands. I’m excited for whatever he has in store.”
Of course, Williams wouldn’t be opposed to playing with Watson, who has ascended into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But what’s most important to Williams is getting to remain with the Jets.
“That would be cool too,” Williams said. “It really doesn’t matter to me. I just want what’s best for the organization so I can win. I think Sam is an amazing and great quarterback that can help us win. But whatever decision the head coach and the GM and the owners make, I’ll ride with them.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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