The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers at the deadline to bolster their wide receiver corps. That was the only move they ended up making, but a recent report makes it clear that they were also looking for reinforcements on the interior defensive line.
NFL insider Jourdan Schultz reports that the Jags were trying to trade for Quinnen Williams, noting that they were making a strong bid before the Dallas Cowboys swooped in and made a deal that the New York Jets couldn't refuse in exchange for the All-Pro defensive lineman.
Sources: The #Jaguars were active in exploring a trade for #Jets DT Quinnen Williams before he was dealt to Dallas.
New York ultimately made the deal with the Cowboys, but Jacksonville made a “strong push” and it wasn’t for a lack of trying. pic.twitter.com/ausd6bhRES
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 5, 2025
In total, Dallas gave up a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and defensive tackle Kenny Clark in return for Williams. However you look at it, that was a hefty price, and it's easy to see why Jacksonville ended up passing out on him.
The Jaguars might've been willing to give up premium draft picks for Quinnen Williams
When Dianna Russini reported that the Jaguars were entertaining trade offers for Brian Thomas Jr., she added that it was looking for help on defense. Then, as the deadline approached, they were rumoured to be interested in Quinnen Williams before Dallas acquired him. Jordan Schultz's report confirms their interest.
In retrospect, it's easy to see why the Jags would be interested in Williams. Not only would he have filled a need but also given them a much-needed playmaker on the interior defensive line. Aside from Arik Armstead, they don't truly have many appealing options right now.
That said, it would've been reckless to give up a first-rounder, let alone a first and a second, in exchange for Williams, so general manager James Gladstone deserves a bit of credit for not caving.
It's also worth noting that the Jags don't hold a first in next year's draft after the Travis Hunter trade, so they would've had to give the Cowboys the one they have in 2027.
What's next after the Jaguars missed out on Quinnen Williams?
The window to make trades in the NFL closed on November 4, so teams will need to turn their attention to unsigned free agents to fill roster holes. In the Jags' case, they still need reinforcements at defensive tackle, and the best option available is arguably Christian Wilkins.
The 2019 first-round pick signed a top-market contract with the Las Vegas Raiders last year but suffered a Jones injury and missed most of the 2024 season. He then spent most of the offseason recovering, but because he chose to rehab away from the team, Las Vegas cut ties with him. The fact that he also had an uncomfortable interaction with a teammate might've played a role in his ousting.
But regardless of the circumstances for his departure from the Raiders, it wouldn't hurt Jacksonville to kick the tires on Wilkins. It's hard to tell how healthy he is or how much of a fit he would be in Duval, but the team's brass can find that out but hosting him for a visit. At worst, the Jags realize that the seventh-year veteran isn't a viable alternative to bolster the defensive tackle position. At best, they quickly fill a void.
If the Jaguars were truly interested in trading for Quinnen Williams, kicking the tires on Wilkins makes sense, as he would provide a fallback without having to give up draft picks.