The New York Jets made a big move before NFL free agency, but it wasn’t the anticipated trade for Aaron Rodgers. Instead, the Jets took care of one of their own, signing linebacker Quincy Williams to a three-year, $18 million contract.

The deal reportedly has $9 million guaranteed and could max out at $21 million.

The 26-year-old was hours away from testing the free agent market before agreeing to stay with the Jets. The athletic linebacker is viewed by New York as an ascending player, one who has room to grow after two seasons as a starter.

Williams was claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars by the Jets in 2021 and went to record an NFL career-high 110 tackles. He was second on the Jets with 106 tackles in 2022, and established career-highs with three sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

This news is sure to make Quinnen Williams happy. Quincy’s younger brother is also New York’s best defensive player, who happens to be in the middle of negotiating an expected massive contract extension. The defensive tackle made the Pro Bowl for the first time this past season and was First Team All-Pro.

Jets coach Robert Saleh said at the NFL Scouting Combine that keeping the Jets defense intact is a priority this offseason. The Jets had the No. 4-ranked defense in the League. Along with signing the Williams brothers, the Jets are hopeful of bringing back free agent defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

New York fortified their defense by acquiring veteran safety Chuck Clark in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens this past week.