With the New York Jets off to a slow start, “multiple teams around the league” have shown interest in acquiring defensive lineman Leonard Williams in a trade, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The No. 6 overall pick in 2015, Williams enjoyed a Pro-Bowl season in 2016 and is eighth in the AFC in quarterback hits (88) since entering the NFL. However, the 25-year-old has regressed since his 2016 campaign.
Williams has struggled mightily in 2019. Through five games, he has 11 combined tackles and three quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Reference, he has just four pressures, two hurries and three quarterback knockdowns on the season. Despite his lack of production, Jets coach Adam Gase thinks he is doing well.
“I think Leonard is doing a good job,” Gase recently said via Tyler Calvaruso of Jets Wire. “For me, it’s what we’re asking him to do. He’s pushing the pocket. He gets double-teamed almost every snap it feels like. Every time I watch him, he’s got four hands on him.”
Williams is on his fifth-year option, worth $14.2 million, per Over The Cap. He will be a free agent after seasons end, which diminishes his value.
If the Jets do trade Williams, they should receive an offer starting at a third-round selection. Though he hasn't shown to be the game-changing force most thought he was coming out of USC, he is just 25 years old and has shown potential to be great in the NFL.
Nonetheless, Williams' situation will be one worth tracking heading into the Oct. 29th trade deadline.
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