The Dallas Cowboys have pulled off a headline-grabbing move just before the NFL trade deadline, acquiring three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets in a deal that’s sending shockwaves through the league.
A Trade That Changes Everything
In a dramatic last-minute transaction, the Cowboys sent a
2026 second-round pick, a
2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle
Mazi Smith to the Jets in exchange for Williams, who was widely considered the Jets’ best player and one of the NFL’s premier interior defenders. Williams, who turns 28 in December, is still in his prime and was under contract for two more years after signing a four-year,
$96 million extension in 2023.
This move comes as part of a larger Jets teardown, with the team also trading star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts earlier the same day. For Dallas, the trade is a clear signal that owner Jerry Jones is not content to let the season slip away after a disappointing start and a recent loss to the Cardinals.
Why Dallas Made the Move
The Cowboys’ defense has been a glaring weakness this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories:
-
397.4 yards allowed per game (second-worst in the NFL)
-
52.6% third-down conversion rate allowed (worst in the league)
-
112.3 opponent passer rating (second-worst)
Adding Williams, who was a first-team All-Pro in 2022 with 12 sacks and has made the Pro Bowl each of the last three seasons, is a bold attempt to shore up the defensive line and address these issues head-on. Even in a down year statistically (just one sack so far), Williams remains a disruptive force, tallying 32 tackles and three forced fumbles this season.
What This Means for the Jets
For New York, this trade marks a dramatic shift toward rebuilding. By dealing away two of their biggest defensive stars in a matter of hours, the Jets have stockpiled future draft capital—three first-round picks in just two trades—and added a young defensive tackle in Mazi Smith. The move signals a willingness to reset and build for the future, even at the cost of short-term competitiveness.
Expert Reactions and What’s Next
NFL insiders and analysts are calling this one of the most significant deadline deals in recent memory. The Cowboys, desperate for defensive help, are betting big that Williams can anchor their line and turn their season around. Meanwhile, the Jets’ front office is clearly playing the long game, hoping their haul of picks will pay off in the coming years.
For fans, the message is clear:
no one is untouchable when it comes to building a contender or starting over. The next few weeks will reveal whether Dallas’ gamble pays off—and whether the Jets’ bold strategy sets them up for future success.
Sources
1. Jets trade Quinnen Williams to Cowboys for 2 picks, Mazi ...
2. Steelers Read & React: Week 1 reaction meter
3. Quinnen Williams trade: Cowboys land Jets' star DL for first
4. Three round 2019 NFL Mock Draft
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6. WDIO News - WDIO.com
7. Cowboys Get Their Defensive Star, Landing Jets DT ...
8. Eagles News: Philadelphia needs Nolan Smith to take a ...
9. NFL Trade Deadline live: Blockbuster-Trades! New York ...
10. New York Jets: Hey Joe, what's the story with the offensive ...
11. Cowboys in the process of finalizing trade for DT Quinnen ...
12. Jets Acquire First & Second Round Pick & DL Mazi Smith ...
