While the NFL is in the lull between offseason workouts and training camp, you could possibly consider this time of the calendar as “signing season”.

No, this doesn’t mean players are being added to rosters at a ridiculous rate, but rather teams are having the opportunity to work with players and their agents to iron out details on a new contract. Plenty players will be entering their training camp facility in a couple weeks sporting a shiny, new contract.

The latest player to fall into this category would be none other than New York Jets standout defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. Williams signed a mega-deal for four years, netting him $96 million dollars. Those are monster numbers for any player, but it also goes to illustrate the importance, and value, teams are placing on the defensive line.

Williams’ contract makes him the latest, and wealthiest, defensive tackle (DT) to sign this offseason. Just look at these numbers, provided by ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Quinnen Williams becomes the latest DT to sign a mega contract this offseason:

🏉 Quinnen Williams: 4-years, $96 million.
🏉 Jeffery Simmons: 4-years, $94M
🏉 Daron Payne: 4-years, $90M
🏉 Dexter Lawrence: 4-years, $90M
🏉 Javon Hargrave: 4-years, $84M
🏉 Ed Oliver: 4-years,…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 13, 2023

While some positions like running back and safety are becoming devalued by the year, the big guys up front along the defensive line are holding their value in a big way. Will all of the players who were listed above stay healthy and prove their worth for their respective teams in 2023? That’s a crap shoot teams make when they come to terms with these multi-year contracts for any player.

In the meantime, Williams solidifies an already stout Jets defensive front as they hope the addition of Aaron Rodgers will help turn the tide in their favor in not just the AFC East, but the AFC.