Does Cowboys acquiring Williams make amends for Parsons trade?

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Does Cowboys acquiring Quinnen Williams make amends for Micah Parsons trade?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 4:28 PM ET

Before sending Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in August, the Dallas Cowboys explored trading the defensive end to the New York Jets for star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Now, the DT is joining "America's Team."

On Tuesday, the Jets dealt three-time Pro Bowler Williams to the Cowboys for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027 and DT Mazi Smith. Dallas has two first-rounders in 2027 after the Parsons trade. Of those two picks, New York receives the highest one (via ESPN's Adam Schefter).

Acquiring Williams might seem like a win for the struggling Cowboys' defense. After nine weeks, Dallas is second to last in the league in points allowed (30.8) and yards allowed (397.4). That said, it could be a last-ditch effort to make up for trading Parsons, which has derailed the team's season.

Why Quinnen Williams trade isn't an excellent deal for Cowboys

After starting 3-5-1, Dallas clearly isn't one player away from competing for a Super Bowl. The Cowboys could've used the picks they sent to the Jets to continue to restock the roster.

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

Just as importantly for the Cowboys, Williams has a contract that devours future cap space. In July 2023, the 2019 first-round pick signed a four-year, $96M contract extension. Per Over the Cap, his 2026 cap number is $21.75M. Over the Cap estimates the Cowboys will be $35.46M over the salary cap in 2026 after landing the DT.

If Williams were a top pass-rusher, that would ease these concerns; however, the DT has struggled to pressure the QB this season. In eight games with the Jets, he has one sack. Parsons, meanwhile, ranks 10th in the league with 6.5 sacks in eight games.

Williams should help the Cowboys improve their run defense. Pro Football Focus has given him the seventh-best run defense grade (90.8) in the league.

Had the Cowboys traded for Williams before the season, they could've acquired him for less. Instead, they've unloaded valuable draft capital for a player who's not a true replacement for Parsons.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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