Sportsnaut
The three-win Dallas Cowboys pulled off a blockbuster trade Tuesday, acquiring former All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets. Despite the massive upgrade to their defense, one ESPN NFL analyst roasted the Cowboys over the deal.
Dallas gave up a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round selection and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Earlier in the day, the Jets traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Full trade:
🏈Cowboys receive DT Quinnen Williams.
🏈Jets receive 2026 second-round pick and 2027 first-round pick and DT Mazi Smith. https://t.co/rea59x9G9h
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2025
The Cowboys own one of the worst defenses in the league, giving up 397.4 total yards and 143 rushing yards per game, ranking 31st and 29th, respectively.
Williams should help stop the run immediately. Pro Football Focus has him graded at 90.8 for run defense as he has 25 solo tackles — which ranks second in the league — and 25 stops, tackles that occur at a location considered successful for the defense. He also has one sack, two forced fumbles, two quarterback hits, 16 hurries and 19 total pressures.
Even though Williams was a big get for Dallas, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick threw shade at the Cowboys following the trade, pointing out their glaring weakness.
“Still can’t cover anybody tho,” Riddick posted on X.
Still can’t cover anybody tho…🤷🏾♂️
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) November 4, 2025
And Riddick is right. The Cowboys defense allows 254.4 yards through the air per game, ranking 30th in the league. They’ve also allowed 22 receiving touchdowns and a 112.3 passer rating — both 31st.
The Cowboys are 3-5-1 heading into their bye week and face a steep uphill climb to get back into playoff contention.
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