Cowboys Acquire Quinnen Williams in Surprise Trade with Jets
FRISCO, TX – The Dallas Cowboys stunned the NFL world Monday by acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets, according to reports. The move significantly bolsters the Cowboys’ defensive line, but came at a cost, involving former draft picks and a recent trade involving Micah Parsons.
The trade arrives as a surprise given Williams’ status as a key player for the Jets. The Cowboys sent a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to New York in exchange for Williams,who is entering the final year of his contract. This deal follows a prior trade where Dallas sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay packers for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive lineman Kenny Clark. Combined, the Cowboys effectively traded Parsons, a 2026 second-round pick, and Smith for Williams, Clark, and a first-round pick.
According to ESPN, the Cowboys were motivated to add a disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line, and Williams fits that profile. He has recorded 23.5 sacks over the past three seasons.
“They gave up potentially 90 percent of what they got for Micah Parsons,” NFL analyst Brian Wright pointed out.
The acquisition of Williams provides the cowboys with a potential long-term solution at defensive tackle and offers williams a fresh start in Dallas, where he has two seasons remaining on his contract after this one. The move signals a clear commitment by the Cowboys to strengthening their defense as they pursue a Super Bowl championship.
