The Dallas Cowboys made a major move before Tuesday’s trade deadline, acquiring Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets in a blockbuster deal aimed at improving their struggling defense after a disappointing 3-5-1 start to the season.
To land Williams, the Cowboys sent the Jets a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The 2027 pick going to New York will be the better of the Cowboys’ two first-rounders that year.
Earlier in the day, Dallas also boosted its linebacker group by acquiring Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised the team’s front office for being “aggressive but smart,” saying the new additions aren’t just short-term solutions but players who can help the team long term.
Interestingly, the Cowboys and Jets had discussed Williams months earlier in a possible deal for Micah Parsons, but the Jets couldn’t afford Parsons’ massive contract. Now, Dallas has reshaped its defensive line — pairing Williams with Kenny Clark (acquired from Green Bay in the Parsons deal) and Osa Odighizuwa, who signed an $80 million extension in March.
Meanwhile, the Jets have started a full-scale rebuild, trading star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver AD Mitchell.
Williams, 28, was the third overall pick in 2019 and has earned Pro Bowl honors from 2021 to 2023. This season, he’s recorded 32 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, and three quarterback hurries. According to ESPN Research, he leads all defensive linemen with a 9.5% run-stop rate, and his 40 career sacks rank fifth among defensive tackles since 2019 — trailing only Chris Jones, Aaron Donald, DeForest Buckner, and Cameron Heyward.
Williams is under contract through 2027, earning $20.75 million next year (with $5 million guaranteed) and $25.4 million in 2027. Clark is signed for the same duration, with an $11 million roster bonus due in 2026 if he remains on the team.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Williams had grown frustrated with the Jets’ direction, especially after the team’s 0-7 start this season. His dissatisfaction reportedly stemmed from the lack of wins, his role in the defense, and uncertainty surrounding his contract. Rather than commit more guaranteed money, the Jets decided to trade him while his value was high.
In Dallas, how Williams, Clark, and Odighizuwa fit into Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme remains to be seen. The Cowboys experimented with a five-man front in Monday’s loss to Arizona, which could become a key feature moving forward as they continue to address long-standing issues with their run defense.
Team owner Jerry Jones emphasized that these trades are not only for the current season but also for the Cowboys’ defensive future — marking the team’s biggest trade deadline move since 2018, when they acquired Amari Cooper from the Raiders. That move sparked a late-season turnaround, helping Dallas win the division and reach the playoffs.
The Cowboys hope history repeats itself, with Williams and Wilson injecting new life into a defense that still struggles in pass coverage.
Dallas heads into its bye week now, set to return to action November 17 against the Raiders. Williams is expected to arrive on Wednesday, with both he and Wilson scheduled for their first full practice next week.
