Grading the trade: Quinnen Williams addition gives Cowboys something they badly needed on defense
It was a big trade for the Dallas Cowboys. Was it a good one?
I can honestly say I didn’t see that one coming. Not after the Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5-1 following a painful 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals that pushed the team’s playoff hopes close to 0%. But the front office traded for All-Pro New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams and it’s time to break down the trade, and grade it.
But first, let’s look at the entirety of the deal.
Full Cowboys-Jets trade
- Cowboys receive:
- DT Quinnen Williams
- Jets receive:
- 2026 second-round draft pick
- 2027 first-round draft pick (better of Dallas’ two)
- DT Mazi Smith
Grading the Cowboys’ trade for Quinnen Willliams
Let’s start by pointing out Quinnen Williams is an elite football player and a legitimate game-wrecking three-technique. Though the Cowboys have Osa Odighizuwa at the position and Kenny Clark, Williams is an undoubtable upgrade. He’s the kind of player offensive coordinators worry about on flights back home when it’s time to come up with a pass protection and run game plan to limit him.
The reality is Dallas had no such threat on its defensive line this season prior to adding Williams, and it urgently needed it. Not only that, but Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark have been inconsistent in recent weeks. Three technique is a very important position on Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme, too.
With that being said, let’s state the obvious: The Cowboys have a mathematical possibility to make the playoffs. But “mathematical” is about the most positive word you can use to describe their chances. In other words, at 3-5-1, fans would be smart to abandon all hope of making it to the postseason. The good news? Williams is signed through 2027, which fits the window of many Cowboys’ cornerstone players.
Last but not least, let’s talk about compensation. Former first-round pick Mazi Smith is a non-factor. He was a healthy scratch multiple games to begin the season and then again in Week 9. In all likelihood, he was a cut candidate for the Cowboys. But a 2026 second round draft pick and a 2027 first is quite a lot. However, if we’re talking about Dallas having a two-year window to compete beyond 2025, I’d rather have Williams (currently 27 years old) than a rookie.
All in all, the Cowboys’ circumstances are far from great, but Williams is a great player for whom paying a hefty price could be worth it. Even still, at 3-5-1, it’s a little difficult to get excited about it. GRADE: B
This story was originally published in A to Z Sports Dallas Cowboys, as Grading the trade: Quinnen Williams addition gives Cowboys something they badly needed on defense.
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