With the Jets sitting at 0-4 and reaching a breaking point in their season, there’s a chance that general manager Joe Douglas looks to move some pieces in order to acquire assets for the future.
One piece who would certainly be up for grabs is defensive end Leonard Williams. The fifth-year pro out of USC is in a contract year and, at only 25, has plenty of gas left in the tank. For a team seeking help on the defensive line, Williams could stand out as a potential option on the trade market.
Just don’t count on a team to part with any significant assets given the way Williams has played lately.
Williams has been a non-factor for New York through the team’s first four games. He only has 11 tackles and three quarterback hits, which is astounding for a player who has flashed as a dominant defensive lineman when he’s on his A-game. To make matters worse, Williams has yet to record a single sack or tackle for loss — the areas where linemen make their money.
When the Jets have needed him the most, Williams has faded into the background. He contributed almost nothing in New York’s first two losses of the season and was invisible against the Patriots in Week 3 until he picked up a 15-yard personal foul penalty late in the game. Even the return of Quinnen Williams against the Eagles this past weekend wasn’t enough to help the former first-round pick get back on track.
With each no-show performance that he turns in, Williams’ trade value takes a steep dive. It’s hard to see the Jets getting anything for him at this point, as other linemen who actually produce will be available for the taking once the trade deadline rolls around.
Once a player with loads of potential, Williams has not been the same since his 2016 Pro Bowl season. He recorded a career-low 47 tackles in 2017 and has not been able to get back to his old self. It remains to be seen if a turnaround is in the cards for Williams. Even if one is in store, odds are it won’t come with the Jets.
Don’t count on Williams’ departure from the Big Apple coming via trade, though. There’s a slim to none chance Douglas will be able to move him for worthwhile compensation with his value at an all-time low.
