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Dallas Cowboys Release Running Back After Quinnen Williams Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 9:19 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys bolstered their defense in a major way, acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in a trade with the New York Jets.

Dallas traded a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027-first round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York in exchange for Williams. He's expected to immediately bolster a defense that's giving up 397.4 yards and 30.8 points per game.

Since being drafted by the Jets in 2019, Williams has racked up 322 tackles, 101 QB hits and 40 sacks. According to Next Gen Stats, his 281 QB pressures rank seventh among defensive tackles.

Williams isn't the only marquee player joining the Cowboys for the 2025 season. They also acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals.

In an effort to make room for Williams and Wilson on the roster, Dallas waived running back Malik Davis. He has been with the Cowboys since 2022, rushing for 167 yards and a touchdown.

Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Can the Cowboys make a run?

At 3-5-1, the Cowboys aren't exactly contending for a playoff spot in the NFC. However, there's an outside shot they'll go on a run and get them in the Wild Card picture.

If the Cowboys want to be a playoff team this season, they'll need to get through this upcoming four-game stretch against the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions.

The Cowboys should be better with their revamped defense, but they probably have too many flaws to run the table this fall.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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