Moments before the trade deadline, the New York Jets made a shocking move, sending defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. The trade is the end of his 6-year era in New York and the beginning of a new chapter in Dallas. So before moving on, Williams shared a heartfelt message for both his former team and the Cowboys’ locker room and fans.

“New York will always have a special place in my heart,” the Alabama native wrote. “To my teammates, coaches, and the entire Jets organization, thank you for believing in me and helping me develop on and off the field. He also addressed the fans in his message.

He concluded his message on a spirited note. “I’m excited for what’s next in Dallas,” he wrote, “and can’t wait to get to work.”

In exchange for Williams, the Jets secured valuable assets for their future with a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Along with Williams, the team also traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts.

It wasn’t an easy decision for the franchise. With the team headed toward an inevitable rebuild after their 1-7 start, Jets general manager Darren Mougey explained that they made the early move because the offer was simply “too good” to pass up.

“It’s never easy moving on from any player,” the GM told the reporters. “let alone guys like Sauce and Quinnen. You’re set on what these values are, what they’re really worth and these players and what you might be willing to do to part ways with them.”

And even though the players understand the business, it wasn’t an easy reality for Williams’ Jets teammates and especially for defensive end Jermaine Johnson II.

“I’d be lying if I said I was happy my brothers are gone because I’m not,” Johnson said. “I’m sick. But, I believe strongly in the organization, staff and my other brothers in the locker room.” He further added, “Let’s look onward and upward because better things are coming and I give my word on that. Go Jets always.”

Now, with the trade drama behind them, the players are focused on what’s ahead. For Williams, he might be looking to boost the Cowboys’ defense.

Brian Schottenheimer is excited for the Cowboys’ newest additions

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has yet to meet Williams. However, that hasn’t stopped him from planning the next step for their newest acquisition. He was thrilled as he spoke about the players to 105.3 The FAN.

“A couple of the moves we made, you’re getting guys not just for this year but beyond, which I think is great,” he said about the Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones’ trade move this week.

“It gets you excited as a coach. And I think it’s two terrific players, but also terrific young man. I’ve talked to Logan. I still need to reach out to Quinnen, but excited to see both those guys here and get them a welcome to the family.”

When asked if Williams could help them in defense, he agreed as he praised his talent.

“We’ve played him a couple times, just played him a couple weeks ago,” he said. “He’s just a difference maker. Your ability to affect the interior part of the pocket from a pass rush standpoint, I think 12 sacks a couple years ago under the tutelage, I’m not saying it was white cotton that did it because Quinton did it, but, you know, around A-dub and very disruptive.”

The excitement is understandable for the coach, who’s looking at a new hope after the team gave up 30 points in most games this season. Quinnen is expected to team up with defensive tackle Kenny Clark. They received Clark in the infamous Micah Parsons trade.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys acquired Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Wilson had requested a trade after seeing a reduced snap count. Perhaps he’ll get more playing time in Dallas.

 So, it’s all done and dusted now. What remains to be seen is how these moves turn out for both teams.