Dallas Cowboys proprietor and basic supervisor Jerry Jones teased a commerce Monday night time, and on Tuesday morning, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, which did not precisely transfer the needle.
About two hours earlier than Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET commerce deadline, nevertheless, Dallas made an enormous splash by buying defensive deal with Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
Dallas traded a 2026 second-round choose, a 2027 first-round choose (the higher of the Cowboys' pair of picks after buying one within the Micah Parsons commerce) and defensive deal with Mazi Smith to New York to finish the commerce for Williams, sources instructed ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Williams, 27, was drafted No. 3 by the Jets in 2019 and is beneath contract via 2027.
The Cowboys are 3-5-1 after dropping 27-17 to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night time, placing their playoff hopes in dire straits, properly behind the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (6-2).
Cowboys reporter Todd Archer, Jets reporter Wealthy Cimini and NFL draft analyst Matt Miller break down the commerce from myriad angles, together with what it means for the Cowboys' future and why the Jets let Williams go.
Did Dallas basically commerce Micah Parsons for Williams, contemplating what it gave up and received in return?
Archer: Are you forgetting Kenny Clark? The Cowboys aren't. They've spoken extremely of him since touchdown him within the Parsons commerce with the Packers. They could need to do one thing together with his contract in 2026, however he's seen as part of the answer.
Parsons is likely one of the few who can wreck a sport on his personal. A defensive deal with, even one pretty much as good as Williams, does not try this the identical manner. Shedding Smith is a plus since he added little.
They nonetheless have three first-round picks within the subsequent two years, which is a bonus. The Cowboys are nonetheless in place to enhance a roster that wants enchancment.
What does the commerce imply for the DT rotation with Williams, Clark and Osa Odighizuwa?
Archer: In the event you're paying this sort of cash to a few defensive tackles to be a part of a rotation, then it is a flawed choice. It may imply a change in how the Cowboys use the three tackles on the similar time. In Monday's loss to the Cardinals, they used a five-man entrance to assist plug a few of their holes higher.
Odighizuwa has extra place flexibility than the opposite two, however this isn't to recommend the Cowboys would change to a 3-4 scheme from the 4-3 they've used for years. It simply opens up prospects for them to change their fronts.
Why did the Jets commerce Williams?
Cimini: It was a multilayered choice. Let's begin with the compensation: The Jets felt it was a no brainer, particularly for the reason that 2027 first-round choose is the upper of Dallas' two first-round picks that 12 months.
The Jets have excessive regard for Williams, whom they gave a four-year, $96 million extension in 2023, however he hasn't been as dynamic as he was in 2022 (career-high 12 sacks). Williams, annoyed by seven years of dropping, wasn't pleased with the path of the franchise, sources stated. He additionally did not like the way in which he was being utilized in Steve Wilks' protection, sources stated.
His contract, which runs via 2027, may need grow to be a difficulty within the offseason, as Williams seemingly would've pushed for a renegotiation.
What do all of those trades imply for the Jets' protection?
Cimini: In 2023, the Jets had among the best defenses within the NFL. Not anymore, not even shut. Williams and Sauce Gardner, traded Tuesday to the Colts, have been their two most completed defenders. These trades punctuate a two-year expertise drain that noticed them lose, reduce or commerce a few of their high gamers.
The protection already was struggling this season (twenty seventh in factors allowed); now there are some important holes. Younger gamers equivalent to cornerback Azareye'h Thomas, linebacker Kiko Mauigioa, cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers and Smith (acquired within the Williams commerce) will probably be pressed into key roles.
Backside line: it is a main rebuild.
Does this deal clear up the Cowboys' largest defensive points?
Archer: No, as a result of your entire protection has points. So far as I do know, Williams can't cowl broad receivers or tight ends. However he helps. He has pass-rush potential, evidenced by his 12-sack season in 2022. He's thought of among the best defensive tackles in soccer. Stopping the run is important to a protection, and the Cowboys' run D has been poor, permitting 119 yards or extra of their previous six video games.
However factors come via the passing sport, they usually have allowed 30 move performs of 20 or extra yards. Their third-down protection is worst within the league in the meanwhile. Till they will get a constant move rush paired with higher protection — man or zone — within the again finish, quarterbacks may nonetheless have a discipline day with this protection.
How does the commerce have an effect on the Cowboys' wage cap?
Archer: Do not get caught up within the precise numbers as a result of groups can transfer cash round at any time when and nevertheless they need.
Maybe the Cowboys should decide on Clark by March, since he's due an $11 million roster bonus on the third day of the league 12 months. Paying three defensive tackles a minimum of $20 million appears a bit a lot.
The Cowboys can all the time restructure the contracts of QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, G Tyler Smith, TE Jake Ferguson and/or CB DaRon Bland to create room, though it is likely to be greatest to not contact Prescott's deal even with a $74 million cap cost in 2026. They will transfer on from some gamers (Trevon Diggs, Terence Steele) to create room, as properly.
In the mean time, they've loads of area to be lively in free company, however that adjustments to a level in the event that they place the franchise tag on receiver George Pickens.
Dallas nonetheless has two 2026 first-round picks; who're some early targets to bear in mind?
Miller: The 2026 draft class traces up very properly with Dallas' wants at positions like operating again, linebacker and doubtlessly a No. 2 broad receiver if Pickens is not re-signed or tagged. At operating again, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is the lone first-round prospect, and it is seemingly he'll be a top-10 choose within the upcoming draft. Love's open-field velocity leads to large play after large play — like his 94-yard landing run final weekend. He can be the reply to Dallas' run-game struggles.
Defensively, may Dallas exchange Parsons with one other linebacker/edge rusher hybrid from the Massive Ten? Ohio State's Arvell Reese is a difference-maker with that very same talent set however extra pop and energy to his sport as a university prospect. He'll seemingly be a top-10 choose, as properly.
receivers, my high move catcher within the class is Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, a deep menace who would replicate lots of what Pickens has dropped at the Dallas offense. He is seen as a probable top-15 choose within the first spherical.
