Speaking Wednesday at Jets training camp, head coach Adam Gase weighed in on the absence of unsigned top draft pick Quinnen Williams. And he didn't seem too bothered.
"This is part of the end of the draft process," Gase said. "When he's ready, he's ready. When they're ready to get it done, whenever that happens it happens. We'll coach the guys that are here."
Pressed on whether Williams' absence was irritating, Gase suggested it wasn't.
"This is the norm," he said. "This happens when you get Top 5 picks, you know, it takes time to go through these sometimes. We'll be alright."
According to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, the issue holding up the signing of the No. 3 overall pick is the payment schedule of Williams' signing bonus. That is normally one of two issues that arise when deals with rookies aren't signed, with the other being "offset language."
The payment schedule for his signing bonus, which is $21.5 million, is something Williams likely wants in full for Year 1. However, the Jets want to defer some of that money to Year 2, which is causing the delay. Williams' contract will be a four-year deal worth $32.6 million when the two sides come to an agreement.
The situation between the Jets and Williams is similar to the one that happened last year with Sam Darnold, who signed a few days late before reporting to camp to applause from his teammates.
So when does the situation with Williams become a concern?
"Playoffs," Gase deadpanned.
"When he gets here, he gets here."