The Dallas Cowboys drew instant scrutiny after a blockbuster deadline trade that sent significant draft capital to the New York Jets for All‑Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Analysts and pundits quickly questioned the timing and cost of the deal for a team sitting below .500.
ESPN graded Dallas’ move harshly, citing the steep price and the limited window of Williams’ remaining prime as reasons for an F. Critics noted Dallas surrendered a 2026 second‑round pick, the better of two 2027 first‑rounders and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a package that looks sizeable for a team with long odds of reaching the playoffs this season.
Dallas Cowboys, Quinnen Williams, NFL
Nov 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) celebrates a defensive stop with linebacker Quincy Williams (56) during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Supporters argued Williams addresses a glaring run‑stop deficiency and pairs with Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa to upgrade Dallas’ interior line immediately. The franchise’s defense ranked near the bottom in several key metrics, and ownership appeared intent on changing the roster narrative rather than waiting for draft development to solve systemic problems.
Skeptics countered that mortgaging future picks for an established veteran on a salary‑heavy contract reduces flexibility in coming offseasons. The trade also reopened criticism of owner‑general manager Jerry Jones’ aggressive approach, with detractors warning the long‑term cap and draft costs could hamper sustained competitiveness if the short‑term gamble fails to deliver playoff momentum.
Local beat writers framed the move as a statement from a franchise unwilling to accept mediocrity, while national outlets highlighted the Jets’ haul as a smart rebuild currency gain. Reaction on social media was polarized, reflecting the high emotional stakes for a fan base accustomed to playoff ambitions.
Dallas Cowboys Receives Failing Grade from ESPN’s NFL Expert for Quinnen Williams Trade
Dallas Cowboys, Quinnen Williams, NFL
Nov 6, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) celebrates a defensive stop against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas recently got an F for trading for Williams before the deadline. This is detailed more in an analysis by Seth Walder for ESPN.
Cowboys get: DT Quinnen Williams
Jets get: DT Mazi Smith, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
Cowboys’ grade: F
Jets’ grade: A
The Cowboys had to be the highest bidder to get Williams, who would have been really valuable for some teams in 2025. But that’s not the case for Dallas, which is 3-5-1. So the value of some of the draft capital and paying half of the $16.75 million Williams was owed in salary and per game roster bonuses this year is lost by Dallas’ position in the standings. I wrote earlier that I didn’t mind the Cowboys trading a seventh-round pick for Logan Wilson in that situation, but a first- and a second-round pick is so, so far beyond that.
The value Dallas gains really is for 2026 and 2027, when Williams will only get older. But they aren’t getting those years for free. Williams’s contract was salary-heavy (as opposed to bonus-heavy) so, assuming the contract was untouched, the Cowboys are going to pay Williams $21.75 million in cash next year and $25.5 million in cash in 2027.
Integrating Williams and recent additions like linebacker Logan Wilson will be a test for Dallas’ coaching staff and chemistry. Dallas now must translate the transaction into on‑field results quickly if the trade is to be judged a success rather than a costly miscalculation.
Dallas Cowboys, Quinnen Williams, NFL
Feb 10, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Quinnen Williams with the New York Jets appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The deadline deal underscores the tradeoff teams face between immediate upgrade and future assets, and for Dallas the verdict will hinge on wins over the next two months. If the franchise falters, critics who labeled the move reckless may feel vindicated.
Dallas Cowboys, Quinnen Williams, NFL
Dec 19, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) leaves the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
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