Jets Bench Quincy Williams After Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams Trades

The New York Jets are in the middle of a chaotic season with major defensive changes. Following the trades that sent cornerstone Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams away, the Jets have moved to bench former All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams.

Could this mean a full-scale rebuild for the Jets?

Quincy Williams Loses Starting Role Amid Team Shakeup

Jets Bench Quincy Williams After Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams Trades

Quincy Williams told ESPN that Jets coaches led him to believe he had been "underperforming since training camp." The 29-year-old linebacker, once considered a leader of the team's defense, referred to himself as "a non-starting Jet." Although he expects to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, his exact role remains uncertain.

This week's moves come on the heels of the Jets' blockbuster trades that shipped Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. In less than 24 hours, Quincy not only lost his starting spot but also saw his younger brother traded.

Rookie Kiko Mauigoa is expected to step into the lineup in Williams' stead.

Fall from All-Pro to the Sidelines

Just last season, Quincy Williams was one of the Jets' brightest stars. He picked up a three-year, $18 million deal after earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Since his form has dipped. In four games this season, Williams has compiled 22 tackles, three for loss, and one sack, missing four games due to a shoulder injury.

"I'm not thrilled about it, but it's one of those things where I'm not mad about it because they told me what I need to get better at."

Shocker in the Locker Room

Head coach Aaron Glenn has the not-so-enviable task of overhauling a defense while maintaining morale. The deals involving Gardner and Quinnen Williams left teammates speechless. Wide receiver Allen Lazard admitted he was in disbelief, referring to Quinnen as "a huge pillar of the locker room."

The Jets' front office has made clear that they are building for the future, securing three future first-round picks through the trades. Glenn, however, has to balance rebuilding with winning in the short term.

Despite all that turmoil, the players are showing professionalism. Running back Breece Hall said that "it sucks" to see his teammates go. Hall is also one of the players involved in trade rumors.