Cowboys steal Quinnen Williams from Jets in stunning trade deadline move

The Dallas Cowboys have done it again. Hours after acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from the Bengals, Jerry Jones has pulled off an even bigger move, trading for Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in what marks the second shocking blockbuster of the NFL trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dallas is sending a 2026 second-round pick and 2027 first-round pick, as well as defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York in exchange for Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most dominant interior defenders. The deal caps off a stunning sale in New York, which earlier in the day shipped All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner to the Colts in exchange for two first-rounders and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Cowboys get their new defensive centerpiece

For Dallas, this is the type of move that could completely reshape its defense. Williams, 27, has long been considered one of the NFL’s elite defensive tackles. He’s a disruptive, game-wrecking force who can collapse the pocket from the inside.

With Micah Parsons traded to the Packers before the season, the Cowboys’ pass rush has lacked a true focal point. Now, Williams steps into that role as the face of the defense, teaming up with Logan Wilson to anchor the heart of the defense.

Jones had teased “defensive upgrades” in recent interviews, and he clearly wasn’t bluffing. Between Williams and Wilson, Dallas just added two high-end starters in one day.

Jets go all-in on the rebuild

The Jets, meanwhile, are making their intentions clear. This is a complete teardown and reset. After moving on from both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, New York now holds two additional first-round picks for 2026, along with several Day 2 selections acquired in the last 48 hours.

It’s a bold, albeit risky, strategy. But with the team sitting near the bottom of the AFC standings, general manager Joe Douglas appears ready to rebuild around a new core.

What this means for Dallas

The move instantly transforms Dallas from a struggling defense into a serious threat. Williams will not only plug the middle but also open up opportunities for edge rushers like Marshawn Kneeland.

It’s a win-now statement from Jerry Jones. The Cowboys owner is showing that he’s still willing to take big risks for a Super Bowl run.

Quinnen Williams by the numbers

• 3× Pro Bowler (2021–2023)

• 1× All-Pro (2022)

• 2022 DPOY finalist

• Career stats: 29.5 sacks, 64 QB hits, 44 tackles for loss

Williams has been the anchor of the Jets’ defense since being drafted third overall in 2019, and now he’ll be expected to fill the void left by Parsons in Dallas.

This is a massive win for Dallas in the short term. The Cowboys now have one of the most talented defensive interiors in the NFL, while the Jets’ stunning deadline purge signals the start of a long rebuild.

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