The Detroit Lions have already secured one of their cornerstone defenders, Aidan Hutchinson, with a lucrative long-term extension. Yet, that doesn’t necessarily close the door on more firepower for their defensive line — especially with a potential Super Bowl run on the horizon.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Lions could be a serious contender for New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler who has quickly become one of the NFL’s most disruptive interior defenders.
“A three-time Pro Bowler with 40 career sacks, Williams is the type of player who could bring the Jets major draft capital — possibly helping them pursue a franchise quarterback in 2026,” Knox wrote. “He’s still just 27, turning 28 in December, and is signed through 2027.”
Williams, who signed a four-year, $96 million extension with the Jets in 2023, wouldn’t come cheap. Knox suggested that any trade discussions would likely begin with a first-round pick as part of the compensation package.
But given his pedigree, the asking price is understandable. Williams has earned three straight Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro in 2022. This season, he’s logged 32 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three QB hits, and one sack — showing his usual mix of strength and disruption.
Why Quinnen Williams Would Be an Ideal Fit in Detroit
Williams’ biggest asset might be his versatility. While he primarily lines up at defensive tackle, the Jets often move him around to defensive end in certain packages — something that would perfectly fit Aaron Glenn’s aggressive, flexible defensive scheme in Detroit.
The Lions have battled injuries along the defensive line over the past two seasons. Adding Williams would not only bring proven depth but also elevate both their run-stopping and pass-rushing efficiency. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams remains one of the NFL’s highest-graded interior run defenders in 2025.
Although his sack numbers are down this year, his track record speaks for itself. Between 2020 and 2024, Williams averaged over 5.5 sacks per season. His 2022 All-Pro campaign included 12 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 28 quarterback hits — numbers that would make any front four elite.
Why a Trade Might Not Happen
While the idea of pairing Williams with Hutchinson is tantalizing, the financial and roster implications make it complicated. The Lions are heavily invested in developing their current core, and Alim McNeill recently returned from injury looking as dominant as ever.
Adding Williams would undoubtedly make Detroit’s defensive front one of the best in the league. However, it might not be financially or strategically feasible. Veteran D.J. Reader would likely lose significant snaps, and Williams’ contract becomes increasingly heavy in later years — featuring a $26.65 million cap hit in 2026 and $30.4 million in 2027.
While the Lions and Jets could theoretically work out a deal to offset some of that cap burden, Detroit’s front office has prioritized retaining homegrown talent rather than spending big on outside veterans.
To acquire Williams, the Lions would not only need to part with a first-round pick but also absorb a massive salary. It would represent a full commitment to a “win-now” Super Bowl push, but the long-term risks might outweigh the short-term benefits.
In short, while Quinnen Williams would transform Detroit’s defense overnight, the price tag and cap implications make such a blockbuster move highly unlikely. For now, the Lions appear content building around Hutchinson, McNeill, and their emerging defensive core.
