The Jaguars traded up for Travis Hunter and temporarily deprioritized the defensive tackle need, but later revisited that need. The Cowboys traded a 2026 second-round pick, a conditional 2027 first-rounder and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the Jets to acquire three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams after outbidding other teams. Williams expressed frustration with losing but indicated respect for coach Aaron Glenn. Williams carries a four-year, $96 million contract with only $5 million in guarantees remaining beyond 2025 and the contract runs through 2027.
"The Cowboys completed the trade deadline's second-biggest deal by sending a 2026 second-round pick, a conditional 2027 first-rounder and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the Jets for Quinnen Williams. This blockbuster, however, came after the Jaguars made what veteran insider Jordan Schultz describes as a "strong push" for the disgruntled Jet. In the end, the Cowboys made the better offer, dangling one of their four first-round picks from 2026-27 to seal the deal."
"Williams came up in Cowboys-Jets Micah Parsons talks, and Dallas circled back to its target - as an enduring goal to repair its run defense now involves a second megadeal. Several teams pursued Williams, Schultz adds, and the Jets determined the offer of first- and second-rounders plus Smith was enough to move on from a player who wanted out. A big market checks out for a player of Williams' caliber, and we heard late last month the Jets were listening on their longtime front-seven centerpiece."
"While Williams confirmed he was frustrated with the Jets' losing ways, he said ( via ESPN.com's Todd Archer) respects Glenn's approach this year. Perhaps being diplomatic now that a trade has been completed, Williams will now see his reported pursuit of a contract rework fall in the Cowboys' hands. His four-year, $96MM deal - which has just $5MM in guarantees left beyond 2025 - runs through 2027."
Read at Pro Football Rumors
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