The Dallas Cowboys just made a blockbuster move in the final hours ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline set for 4:00 p.m. ET. They’re trading for New York Jets All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and the compensation is hefty. According to multiple reports, the Cowboys are sending:

• 2026 second-round draft pick
• 2027 first-round draft pick (better of the two)
• DT Mazi Smith

It’s the Cowboys’ second high-profile deal ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Earlier in the day, the Cowboys made a much less impactful move for Cincinnati Bengals LB Logan Wilson early in the morning. However, Williams is on another level, which is why the lofty price tag is justified.

And the best thing about the move? Williams is under contract through 2027. Despite slim playoff hopes this season, Williams should help Dallas over the next two years. Unlike Jonathan Mingo, this is a proven player in his prime. And honestly, it feels like the first win off the Micah Parsons trade.

Quinnen Williams is the first real benefit of trading away Micah Parsons

I still firmly believe the Cowboys mishandled the Parsons situation, and the arrival of Kenny Clark did little to change my opinion. But Williams is an elite player and a game-wrecker at three-technique. Even if it doesn’t right a previous wrong, adding Williams to the roster feels like the first real benefit of trading Parsons away. After all, he’s an All-Pro caliber player.

Dallas has gotten underwhelming results from Osa Odighizuwa and Clark in recent weeks, raising long-term questions at one of the most important positions in Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme. This move answers them. I wouldn’t be surprised if Odighizuwa or Clark is moved before the deadline.

Wilson and Williams trades share a common theme

Neither of these trades is a one-year rental for the Cowboys. At 3-5-1 and slim playoff hopes, trades for players on contract years would have been utterly comical from the front office.

Wilson and Williams, however, are under contract through 2027, which coincides with the window of many pillar players across the roster. Jerry Jones cited lack of continuity as the biggest problem the Cowboys have faced on defense. This could help give them some on the personnel side of things.

NFL expert’s insight on DT Quinnen Williams

A to Z Sports NFL’s Kyle Crabbs had this to say about the newest Cowboys defender:

Crabbs: “The Jets’ epic sell-off continues. There was plenty of buzz around sellers — and New York was mentioned with maybe interest in Williams, but more so names like RB Breece Hall. Aaron Glenn’s first year in New York has been underwhelming, and now it appears that the big pieces from the past regime have been deemed poor fits for the franchise’s future.

“This move gives the Jets three first-round draft selections in the 2027 NFL draft for their new football operation to build with and sets them firmly in the driver’s seat for a high draft selection for which to serve as a cornerstone. The big difference? These rookies will play on cost-controlled contracts for the foreseeable future, as compared to names like Gardner and Williams playing on mature, second deals with a lot more commitments annually. For a team that’s starting from scratch, getting the books back to square one will go a long way.”

This story was originally published in A to Z Sports Dallas Cowboys, as Dallas Cowboys’ trade for Quinnen Williams is the first real benefit of the Micah Parsons trade, clear theme emerges.

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