Pair of Deadline Deals Make Cowboys Better on Both Sides

Dallas Cowboys owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones had hinted at a trade last night on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown broadcast, alluding to a deal that was (or was not) done but would be consummated on deadline day. 

In the early afternoon on Tuesday, the deal was announced. Not the more minor deal of 29-year-old Cincinnati Bengal linebacker Logan Wilson, but a major one that signals the stripping down of one defense while bringing a stark improvement to the other. 

The Cowboys dealt a 2026 second-round draft pick, 2027 first-round draft pick, and disappointing defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. 

The Jets, who had earlier in the day traded star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks, are clearly, at 1-7, in rebuild mode with the trading of the 2022 All-Pro Williams. The 27-year-old, 3-time Pro Bowler (2022-24) is unquestionably the best defensive tackle that the Cowboys have had since 4-time Pro Bowler Jay Ratliff, who was an integral part to the Cowboy defenses in the late 2000s. Before that, it was 6-time Pro Bowler La’Roi Glover. 

Williams has tallied a career-high three forced fumbles in 2025, with 32 tackles and one sack. He will immensely assist a Cowboy defense that is second last in yards allowed (397.4), 30th against the pass (254.4) and 29th against the run (143.0). In short, this defense is the worst that the Cowboys have had in a long while, maybe the worst that they have ever had. Williams will fix some of the issues, forming with Kenny Clark in the middle of the defense to create a bonafide tandem. 

Wilson, 29 years old, is in his sixth NFL season and has started 63 of 64 games in his career as of Week 9. He has tallied eight tackles twice this season, first on Sept. 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and then on Oct. 5 against the Detroit Lions. Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn have struggled in pursuit this season, so it was advantageous for the organization to seek out linebacker help at the deadline. 

The big move, though, is Williams, who is one of the best defensive linemen in football. He helps right away, and while this defense is multiple players away from seeing 360 degree results, Williams’ impact will immediately be felt. He is also on a team friendly deal - $7.8 million this season and $20 million in 2026 before $25.4 million in 2027. 

Jerry Jones was criticized for being all talk and no action, but this trade for Williams was a smart and shrewd one that will help lessen the sting of the Micah Parsons deal to help this team move forward and be improved. 

Kudos to Jerry and Stephen Jones and Will McClay for landing an impact player.