Jets’ Quincy Williams Wants to ‘Leave No Doubt’ He’s NFL’s Best LB During 2024 Season
Adam WellsAugust 23, 2024
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New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams had a breakout 2023, but he is setting his goals even higher for this season.
Williams said his mission for 2024 is to “leave no doubt” that he is the best linebacker in the NFL.
“My biggest thing this year is ‘Leave no doubt.'” he explained. “For me to leave no doubt that no one feels like I’m not the best linebacker, I have to get better every single day.”
Williams has had an unusual career arc dating back to 2019 when he was a third-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Murray State alum appeared in 18 games over his first two seasons due to injuries.
The Jaguars waived Williams prior to the start of the 2021 season and he was claimed by the Jets. He became a full-time starter in his first year with head coach Robert Saleh, leading the team with nine tackles for loss.
After another strong campaign in 2022, Williams found a new gear last season. He set career-highs in combined tackles (139), solo tackles (95) and pass breakups (10).
Wilson became the first Jets linebacker named to the All-Pro first team since Mo Lewis in 1998.
The battle for the best inside linebacker in the NFL is intense. Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers and Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens—also first-team All-Pro selections in 2023—would likely be the consensus top two players at the position.
Williams’ consistently high level of performance during his three seasons with the Jets has at least put him in the same vicinity as Warner and Smith in the linebacker hierarchy.
If he has another dominant year and the Jets can make the playoffs in a loaded AFC, Williams could end up being talked about as the best linebacker in the NFL by the end of 2024.