The Dallas Cowboys successfully landed defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in a blockbuster deal with the New York Jets on Tuesday. But Jerry Jones’ original ambition extended far beyond the three-time Pro Bowler.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Quinnen’s older brother Quincy also plays in the defensive position. According to the latest update, the Cowboys actually tried to pursue two brothers in the same deal, but the Jets refused.
Jerry Jones Tried to Land Quincy Williams in Blockbuster Quinnen Williams Trade
Fresh reports reveal the Cowboys owner wanted both Williams brothers in one package. Since the double-brother heist never materialized, forcing America’s Team to pivot and add former Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson instead.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported, “I heard that at one point the Cowboys were talking to the Jets about a deal that would have sent Dallas both Williams brothers, Quinnen and linebacker Quincy Williams,” Graziano wrote.
He added, “But that didn’t work out, and the Cowboys pivoted to former Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson.”
Jones has made it clear he’s operating in must-win mode, and his aggressive pursuit of both Williams brothers gives us a clear picture, though he initially looked not serious about a trade.
The Cowboys traded a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith — who was reportedly waived initially– to New York for Quinnen Williams to change their weak defense chapter.
Dallas’s interest in Quincy made sense. He landed with the Jets in 2021 after two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 29-year-old earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2023 after posting 139 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. That’s legitimate impact-player production from a player who often gets overlooked next to his superstar brother.
The timing was calculated too. They acquired Logan Wilson from Cincinnati for just a 2026 seventh-round pick earlier Tuesday morning but that move felt like a consolation prize once the Williams brothers package didn’t happen. Wilson’s solid but nowhere near Quincy’s ceiling when he’s playing at an All-Pro level.
Why the Trade Couldn’t Happen Despite Cowboys’ All-In Push
So why didn’t the Jets bite on moving both brothers? The answer is hidden inside the Jets’ recent struggle. Standing at 1-7, they didn’t take any risk of losing their two pros at a time, which was quite a valid decision from the front office.
Plus, Quincy has been struggling this season, currently ranking 57th out of 82 linebackers per Pro Football Focus with a 55.2 grade. For the unversed, this is a massive drop from his 10th-place ranking in 2023.
#Jets Quincy Williams’ PFF Grades (FWIW)
Has he been underperforming, to you? #jetup https://t.co/JdCpjtxzBE pic.twitter.com/87MVGsc8f5
— DayngerZone (@DayngerZone) November 5, 2025
Why would Dallas surrender additional assets for a guy who just lost his starting job? The Jets couldn’t demand premium compensation for Quincy the way they did for Quinnen, who’s still playing at an elite level.
On the other side, Logan was already on their radar, according to early reports. So, to help their ranked attacking line, the Cowboys chose the safe option to go with, making a trade deal with the Bengals.