Following the NFL trade deadline, the New York Jets made a surprising decision: benching veteran linebacker Quincy Williams, who is currently in the final year of his contract.
“My coaches told me I was underperforming, that I’ve been underperforming since training camp,” Williams told ESPN’s Rich Cimini, one day after his brother Quinnen was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Jets’ defensive shakeup continues: Former All-Pro LB Quincy Williams has lost his starting job, he told ESPN.
“My coaches told me I was underperforming, that I’ve been underperforming since training camp,” he told me.
Williams said he’s “not thrilled” with the decision, but…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 5, 2025
The linebacker added he’s “not thrilled” with the decision, but he’s also “not mad” because he hopes to win his job back.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn addressed Williams’ comments regarding the surprise benching.
“I keep all of those conversations in-house between me and him, even though you guys know it already,” said Glenn. “That’s the first thing. The second thing is, we do things a certain way here and that’s how we’re going to operate. The third thing is, Quincy’s going to be just fine. Just trust me on that. He’ll be just fine.”
Aaron Glenn was asked about Quincy Williams’ recent comments:
“I keep all of those conversations in-house between me and him, even though you guys know it already. That’s the first thing. The second thing is, we do things a certain way here and that’s how we’re going to operate.… pic.twitter.com/zkjdztDWKe
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 7, 2025
Williams has suited up for just four games this season, missing the other four with a shoulder injury. In that limited action, he’s totaled 22 tackles, but also missed six.
Where things have really gone south for Williams is in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 15 of 19 passes thrown his way for 131 yards and two touchdowns, good for a 130.5 passer rating.
Overall, it’s been a tough stretch for a player who was an All-Pro just two seasons ago.
With nine games left on New York’s regular season schedule, Williams faces the challenge of earning his starting role back for the remainder of the season, one snap at a time.