The Dallas Cowboys have just made a “blockbuster” move before the trade deadline. General manager Jerry Jones has parted ways with someone on the squad to welcome the NFL All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Can it turn around the luck of the team, which currently sits 3-5 in the NFC East? 

“#Jets get: 2nd rounder, 1st rounder (Cowboys) next year, Mazi Smith. Cowboys get: Quinnen Williams.”

American sports writer Ian Rapoport shared a scoop on a fresh trade report, revealing that the Cowboys have reportedly traded with the New York Jets for Williams. The franchise landed him in exchange for defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick.

It’s undoubtedly a big shake-up for both teams, especially now that the season is halfway over. For Dallas, Quinnen’s arrival is a way to fix its struggling defense, while the Jets focus on collecting more draft picks and plan for the future. So, how does Williams’ contract look with the Cowboys?

In July 2023, the lineman signed a four-year, $96 million extension with the Jets. Now, the deal transfers to Dallas, implying that Williams will stick around through the 2027 season. If the DT doesn’t play up to his reputation, the Cowboys retain an out for him in 2026. 

Meanwhile, this isn’t the only headline-grabbing deal of the day for Dallas. The Cowboys welcomed Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson, who requested a move a few weeks back. The player was reportedly frustrated after the Bengals benched him in favor of rookie Barrett Carter. 

On the other hand, New York sent two of its top defensive stars within 12 hours. Before the explosive Williams’ deal, the franchise shipped cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks. Their strategy is to get more draft assets and revamp their roster. While the playoff hopes have slipped away from the Jets, who are at 1-7, Dallas would like to level up to remain in the game. Williams’ addition can do that for the team.

Can Jerry Jones’ new move revive Dallas’ defense?

With Quinnen Williams’ entry, the team gets one of the league’s most dominant interior defensive line duos. Yep, he’ll join Pro Bowler Kenny Clark to fire up the unit, being only behind Philly’s electric pair of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Additionally, the trade move comes at a crucial time when the team’s defense struggles to match its impressive offense.

Currently, the team sits at 3-5-1 after a tough 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. While the offense continues to deliver top-tier performance, the same can’t be said about the defense, which ranks 31st out of 32 NFL teams. The 27-year-old athlete can definitely lend some support and stuff the run. 

As for Williams, he has spent seven seasons with the Jets, who have been struggling for years now. The team hasn’t entered the postseason since 2010, despite Quinnen going the extra mile all this time. During his time with the team, he earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor in 2022. 

In the ongoing season, he boasts 32 tackles, one sack, and three forced fumbles in eight games. William’s pairing with Clark has the potential to turn Dallas into a serious contender if its defense gets back on track.