What does Quinnen Williams trade mean for Jets, Cowboys? - ESPN

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones teased a trade Monday night, and on Tuesday morning, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, which didn't exactly move the needle.

About two hours before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, however, Dallas made a big splash by acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.

Dallas traded a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick (the better of the Cowboys' pair of picks after acquiring one in the Micah Parsons trade) and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York to complete the trade for Williams, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Williams, 27, was drafted No. 3 by the Jets in 2019 and is under contract through 2027.

The Cowboys are 3-5-1 after losing 27-17 to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, putting their playoff hopes in dire straits, well behind the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (6-2).

Cowboys reporter Todd Archer, Jets reporter Rich Cimini and NFL draft analyst Matt Miller break down the trade from myriad angles, including what it means for the Cowboys' future and why the Jets let Williams go.

Archer: Are you forgetting Kenny Clark? The Cowboys aren't. They have spoken highly of him since landing him in the Parsons trade with the Packers. They might have to do something with his contract in 2026, but he is viewed as a part of the solution.

Parsons is one of the few who can wreck a game on his own. A defensive tackle, even one as good as Williams, doesn't do that the same way. Shedding Smith is a plus since he added little.

Dallas still has three first-round picks in the next two years, which is a bonus. The Cowboys are still in position to improve a roster that needs improvement.

Archer: If