Dallas Cowboys make splash trade for top All-Pro DL target at NFL deadline

The Dallas Cowboys pulled off a blockbuster trade on Tuesday, landing Quinnen Williams in a trade with the New York Jets.

Randy Gurzi | Nov 4, 2025

New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams celebrates a defensive stop during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Jerry Jones said the Dallas Cowboys were going to be active at the NFL trade deadline, and he wasn't lying.

Dallas kicked the morning off by trading for Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson, giving them a starting-caliber player at a position of need. After that trade was made, Jones teased more work could be done before the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline.

MORE: NFL analyst gives Cowboys brutal grade for Logan Wilson trade

That proved to be true as NFL reporter Tom Pelissero reports that Dallas made a deal with the New York Jets for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Blockbuster: The Jets are trading three-time Pro Bowl DL Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys, sources tell The Insiders.

New York gets a 2026 first-round pick and more for Williams, who gets a fresh start at age 27. pic.twitter.com/vihdvX4GuI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2025

In exchange for Williams, the Cowboys sent New York their first-round pick in 2027 and a second-rounder in 2026. Dallas also threw in former first-round pick Mazi Smith, who never developed into a trusted starter.

Williams was the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft out of Alabama and has three Pro Bowl nods and is a one-time First-Team All-Pro.

Dallas Cowboys now have an elite defender to build around

New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers. / Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At 27 years old, Williams is entering his prime and still has two years left on his four-year, $96 million contract extension signed in 2023. That gives them someone to build around on a defensive line that needs a leader.

Williams is a capable defender against the run and pass, standing out as one of the best run defenders in the NFL. He's also recorded 40 sacks in seven years, including a career-high 12 in 2022.

It's a great move for a Dallas team that needs to get better now, and in future years. It's even more surprising they were able to keep both their first-round picks in 2026.