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Cowboys Land Quinnen Williams, Logan Wilson in Costly Deadline Push to Bolster Defense

The acquisitions signal an urgent pivot toward five-man fronts after a blowout exposed one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

Overview

  • Dallas acquired DT Quinnen Williams from the Jets for Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick, and added LB Logan Wilson from the Bengals for a 2026 seventh-rounder.
  • Team leaders say Williams will anchor schematic changes, with coaches indicating expanded use of five-man fronts and adjusted rotations alongside Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa.
  • Dak Prescott endorsed the moves, saying he’s “f—— pumped,” as the 3-5-1 Cowboys seek immediate help for a unit ranked 31st in both yards and points allowed.
  • Critics including Skip Bayless and Bill Simmons called the price excessive and questioned whether the additions can rescue Dallas’ season after the earlier Micah Parsons trade.
  • Williams is under contract through 2027 but has limited guaranteed money beyond 2025, raising future cap and restructure questions as Dallas enters a bye before hosting the Raiders on Nov. 17.