Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys newest defensive star is ready to win after tough time in New York.
FRISCO — Losing can wear a man down. The constant defeats at home and on the road for a dysfunctional franchise can leave you looking for something new.
Quinnen Williams, a talented defensive tackle, had seen enough. It was clear he sought a new place of employment after playing seven seasons with the New York Jets.
The Cowboys were trying to obtain Williams before the start of the 2025 season but were rebuffed by Jets team owner Woody Johnson.
Jerry Jones kept trying. And when the Cowboys owner and his front office made another call at the trade deadline, they got Williams.
On Tuesday, the Cowboys gave up a second-round pick in 2026, a first-rounder in 2027 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith for Williams at the trade deadline.
It’s a fresh start for the three-time Pro Bowl and one-time All-Pro player, who instantly improves the defensive line.
But it doesn’t mask the frustration he leaves behind with the Jets.
“As an ultra-competitor, I think anybody who’s going through many, many losses like I was going through, there’s going to be frustration,” he said Wednesday at The Star. “I know guys who go they whole life and they lose one game, they be frustrated. So, of course, I was frustrated, but the relationship that I had with [coach Aaron Glenn]. The relationship with the GM Darren [Mougey], there, man, there’s still great relationships. They knew I was frustrated. I think the world knew I was frustrated being there so long and still losing.”
In seven seasons, Williams had three different head coaches, four if you count the interim. He was also coached by three defensive coordinators. In games that he played, the Jets went 31-67. There was a 0-6 start this season.
Acquiring Qunnien Williams and Logan Wilson will bring dividends to the Cowboys even after 2025.
The Cowboys traded for backup quarterback Joe Milton in early April. They traded for star wide receiver George Pickens in early May. They then sent Parsons to the Packers on Aug. 29. In that deal, Dallas got defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. Tuesday’s deal for Williams doesn’t happen if Dallas doesn’t gain the two first-round picks from Green Bay.
In exchange for Williams, the New York Jets received Dallas’ 2026 second-round pick, the better of the Cowboys’ two first-round picks in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Combining both deals, it basically works out to be Parsons, a second-round pick and Smith for Williams, Clark and a first-round pick. The Cowboys also gained extra salary-cap space to...
