Lead
FRISCO, Texas — On Tuesday the Dallas Cowboys made two deadline moves, acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets and linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals. The additions arrived as the team looks to reverse a 3-5-1 start and build momentum after the upcoming bye week. Coach Brian Schottenheimer called the deals “exciting,” and several players said the trades injected energy in the building. Both newcomers are expected to have time to acclimate before Dallas plays in Las Vegas on Nov. 17.
Key Takeaways
- The Cowboys acquired DT Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets; Dallas sent a 2026 second-round pick, the better of two 2027 first-round picks and DT Mazi Smith in return.
- Dallas also added LB Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals; terms for that deal were not detailed in the team release.
- The moves come with the Cowboys at 3-5-1, aiming to improve their defense before the second half of the season.
- Coach Brian Schottenheimer described the additions as players who help both this year and beyond, highlighting Williams’ interior disruption and Wilson’s diagnostic skills.
- Quarterback Dak Prescott and several defensive linemen expressed strong enthusiasm, calling the day a clear morale boost in Frisco.
- The team plans to use the upcoming bye week to integrate both players; their next game is at Las Vegas on Nov. 17.
- Cowboys personnel have invested in the interior line recently—signing Osa Odighizuwa to an extension and acquiring Kenny Clark earlier in the Micah Parsons trade—making Williams a complementary piece.
Background
The Cowboys entered the NFL trade deadline seeking defensive upgrades after an uneven start to the season. At 3-5-1, Dallas has shown offensive firepower at times but defensive inconsistency has been a recurring issue through the first third of the schedule. Recent roster moves signaled a front-office emphasis on the defensive line and linebacker depth, with Osa Odighizuwa receiving an extension and the club previously adding veteran nose tackle Kenny Clark in another deal.
Interior pass rush and run-stopping capacity have been focal points for improvement; opponents have repeatedly challenged Dallas’ second level. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has publicly cited eye discipline and recognition by the linebacker group as areas that needed attention. The deadline acquisitions were aimed at addressing those exact weaknesses: an interior disruptor to collapse pockets and a linebacker known for quick reads and pursuit.
Main Event
The headline move was bringing Quinnen Williams to Dallas from the Jets. The trade required notable draft capital—a 2026 second-round pick and the better of two 2027 first-rounders—plus the inclusion of DT Mazi Smith. That price reflects Williams’ status as a high-impact interior rusher who can influence both the run and passing games.
Coach Schottenheimer emphasized Williams’ disruptive ability on the interior, saying the veteran changes how opponents protect the pocket. Teammates echoed that view: several defensive linemen described Williams as an immediate playmaking addition who can create more one-on-one opportunities up front, especially if Dallas leans into heavier fronts.
The linebacker addition, Logan Wilson, was framed as a film-driven fit. Schottenheimer pointed to Wilson’s quick diagnostic ability—how he reads offensive clues and attacks his assigned triangle—as a primary reason for the pickup. Wilson told reporters he is looking forward to the fresh start and to playing behind a strengthened defensive front.
Dallas will use the bye week to install schemes and get both players up to speed with terminology and assignments. The club’s plan includes exploring packages that put more bodies on the line in order to generate favorable matchups for edge and linebacker playmakers.
Analysis & Implications
Adding Quinnen Williams changes Dallas’ defensive interior dynamics. A proven interior rusher of his caliber demands attention from opposing offensive lines, which can free up linebackers and edge rushers for cleaner one-on-one scenarios. If Williams produces the expected push, the Cowboys could see an immediate uptick in pass-rush win rates and run disruption in NT and 3T alignments.
Logan Wilson addresses a complementary need. The staff highlighted his ability to read plays quickly—an attribute that could reduce soft spots in zone reads and limit yards after contact. Improved linebacker processing can help the Cowboys in third-and-medium situations, where hesitation has previously led to extended drives against them.
There are roster and long-term considerations. Trading draft capital and a young player (Mazi Smith) shifts future resource allocation; the team has effectively prioritized present contention over longer-term developmental capital. Integrating high-profile additions also requires schematic adjustments and snapping rotations, and there is always risk that fit or chemistry will lag early in the acclimation window.
For opponents, Dallas’ moves complicate game planning. Teams that had schemed to exploit Dallas’ interior weaknesses now must account for an elite interior rusher and a linebacker who diagnoses plays quickly. That could change tendencies in run calls and pass protections facing the Cowboys in the back half of the season.
Comparison & Data
| Acquisition | From | Known Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Quinnen Williams (DT) | New York Jets | 2026 2nd-round pick; better of 2027 two 1st-round picks; DT Mazi Smith |
| Logan Wilson (LB) | Cincinnati Bengals | Terms not detailed in team release |
The table summarizes what the Cowboys publicly disclosed. The Williams trade required significant draft capital and a roster player; the Wilson acquisition was reported without published compensation in the team’s announcement. Both moves prioritize near-term roster impact over draft-day flexibility.
Reactions & Quotes
Coaching staff and players framed the trades as both strategic and morale-boosting. Schottenheimer praised the front office’s balance of aggression and prudence.
“It’s exciting. Kudos to Jerry and Stephen… you’re getting guys not just for this year but beyond.”
Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys head coach (team press availability)
Quarterback Dak Prescott offered a blunt, short appraisal of the Williams addition, reflecting clubhouse enthusiasm.
“I’m pumped.”
Dak Prescott, Cowboys quarterback (reporters’ session)
Defensive linemen described immediate practical benefits—more one-on-ones and an opportunity to learn from a veteran presence.
“Another bullet in the gun… another very strong and talented guy.”
Osa Odighizuwa, Cowboys defensive lineman (team interview)
Unconfirmed
- Exact snap counts and role splits for Williams and Wilson in early games are unconfirmed pending coaching plans and practice evaluations.
- Whether Dallas will significantly increase five-down looks on a sustained basis remains undecided and will depend on matchup and performance.
- Full terms disclosed for the Logan Wilson acquisition were not included in the team’s published release.
Bottom Line
The Cowboys traded notable resources to add two defensive pieces they view as both immediate upgrades and longer-term contributors. Quinnen Williams brings interior pass-rush disruption that can alter blocking assignments and create opportunities for teammates; Logan Wilson brings quick diagnostic skill at linebacker that the staff identified as a need.
Integration over the coming weeks will determine whether these moves materially change Dallas’ trajectory. The upcoming bye week gives both players a runway to learn the playbook before facing the Raiders in Las Vegas on Nov. 17. For now, the most immediate effect is a clear boost in confidence and roster depth at two positions the team had targeted.
Sources
- Dallas Cowboys (official team site) — team announcement and player/coach quotes