The defensive tackle market is on the rise. We recently saw a star talent in Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans sign a four-year, $94,000,000 million contract extension. While newly signed 49ers DT Javon Hargrave signed a four-year, $84,000,000 million deal. In this league, it’s obvious when a player signs a big deal or extension. Another will point to his agent, asking for a similar deal. Two players coming up for big extensions in the big apple are Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants and Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets. Both players have been incredible forces for their defenses and are certainly two players I would not want to get away. So let’s dive into what extensions could look like for both.
Dexter Lawrence
If I had to vote on who the best defensive player is on the Giants, I am going with the former Clemson product. Let’s remember the Giants used that first-round pick in the Odell Beckham Jr trade to select Lawrence 17th overall in the 2019 NFL draft. We all remember how stacked Clemson’s defensive line that year was, and the Giants were able to land the best of the unit. Fast forward four years later, and Lawrence is undoubtedly one of the best at his position. He was a force on that Giants’ defensive unit that produced 41 sacks last season, just knocking on the door of the top 10. As for his production, Lawrence was just as good, if not equally as good, as Simmons. In 2022 Lawrence put up career numbers in just about every category. He would rack up 7.5 sacks, 36 pressures, 19 knockdowns, and 68 tackles. However, the freakish athleticism stands out the most when I watch him play, and the hustle for a guy his size is not normal.
Projected Deal: Four years – $95 million
Seeing what Simmons got from the Titans makes me believe that with the type of production, Lawrence put up, and is expected only to get better. Therefore, I see a deal similar to or slightly ahead of Simmons.
Quinnen Williams
From one quarterback nightmare to another, Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams may be the best on a defensive unit that saw significant improvement in 2022. Williams was coming off his first pro bowl season in 2022. A season in which he tallied 12 sacks, 31 pressures, 55 tackles, and two forced fumbles. Overall, Williams has managed 27.5 sacks in his first four years. When you look back, before 2022, Williams was a guy the Jets would want to keep, and then one season later is now a must-keep for this defense.
Projected Deal: Four years – $104 million
Some might be skeptical about a deal like this but remember you’re not paying a player for what he has done. You’re paying him for what he can be. A deal like this makes Williams the second highest paid at his position.
