When the Jets' rookies report to camp on Friday, Quinnen Williams is not expected to be among them, reports SNY's Ralph Vacchiano. But an NFL source added that the two sides are "hopeful" Williams' rookie contract will be done in time to report with the full team next week.
Williams, the Jets' first round pick (3rd overall), is one of just five 2019 first-round picks who have not yet signed their contracts. The exact issue with Williams' deal isn't clear, but rookie deals are usually held up due to "offset language" or the payment schedule for his signing bonus.
Whenever the 21-year-old signs he'll get a fully guaranteed, four-year contract worth $32.6 million, with a signing bonus of $21.5 million.
For the moment, there doesn't seem to be any worry that Williams is headed for a lengthy holdout. Jets rookies are reporting on Friday, but the full team isn't due in until next Wednesday. The first practice isn't scheduled until Thursday and for the moment there seems to be optimism that Williams' deal will be done by then.
Of course, the Jets thought that last year too when camp began and rookie quarterback Sam Darnold was unsigned. He ended up missing the first three days of practice.
Williams was limited during OTAs in early June due to a calf injury, but he was let loose later on.
"Anytime a big guy has any type of calf injury, it could be a time-consuming type thing," Jets head coach Adam Gase said at the time. "So we want to be careful bringing him back. [I've] had some experiences in the past where I've seen guys where it lingers, and [they're] rushing back too fast. You just have to be careful, I think we're in a good place right now. We've done it the right way."