Quincy Williams was one of the breakout stars of the 2023 season for the NY Jets. The fifth-year linebacker transformed from an inconsistent low-end starter to one of the best linebackers in football by the end of the year.
Williams' breakout campaign was enough to earn him first-team All-Pro honors, firmly establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Despite this, however, Williams' recent success still hasn't earned him the respect of everyone.
The former third-round pick was snubbed from the Pro Bowl, something that seemed even more embarrassing following his All-Pro honors. Even entering the 2024 season, Williams still isn't receiving the credit he deserves.
Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness recently revealed his list of the top 10 linebackers entering 2024, and for whatever reason, Williams was left off the list. Despite being a 2023 first-team All-Pro, Williams apparently isn't even a top-10 player at his position.
Williams responded to the snub with a simple emoji. He's keeping receipts.
Williams' ascension last season was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2023. The former waiver-wire pickup had flashed his potential in the past, but he cleaned up the inconsistencies in his game and took his playmaking to a new level this past year.
The 27-year-old led all linebackers with 80 runs stops, nine more than any other player at his position. His 88.7 Pro Football Focus coverage grade ranked second among qualified linebackers, trailing only teammate C.J. Mosley.
Williams allowed just 7.7 yards per reception (third best) and led all linebackers with eight passes defended. By essentially every metric, Williams was one of the best coverage and run-stopping linebackers in the NFL.
Unfortunately, reputation matters and Williams' one-season breakout wasn't enough to change his perception in the eyes of some around the league. That's why he's hoping to "leave no doubt" in 2024.
Quincy Williams already proved that he's one of the best linebackers in the NFL last season. The next step is proving it again and again until that's the consensus narrative. If that happens, a significant pay raise is likely in his future.
