Jerry Jones did tell the NFL that he was going to make some trades ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline. Let's just say he didn't disappoint. First things first, the Cowboys acquired Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. But hours later, Dallas pulled off a blockbuster deal.
Multiple reports indicated that the Cowboys acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-rounder, a 2027 first-rounder, and Mazi Smith. The move does help Dallas' defense, which has been uninspiring to start the season after trading away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
If Cowboys needed convincing about the trade, quarterback Dak Prescott has you covered.
While speaking with reporters on Tuesday after the trade deadline, Prescott revealed that he was "f***ing pumped" about the Williams trade. Prescott's quote comes courtesy of Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Dak Prescott on the trade of Williams: “I’m fuc-ing pumped. You can quote me on that.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 4, 2025
Dak Prescott says he's 'pumped' about Cowboys' Quinnen Williams trade
Prescott is all in on the Williams trade, and Jones' commitment to fixing the defense. It may be a bit too late to help the Cowboys sneak into the playoffs, but it does help take the pressure off Prescott. With Williams, the defense is much better, and Prescott won't have to single-handedly outscore his opponents in shootouts to win games for Dallas.
Williams is only 27 years old and in the prime of his career. Not to mention, the Cowboys have Williams under contract for two more seasons, as he's in the middle of a four-year, $96 million extension with the Jets. Plus, he provides the team with a star to place in the middle of the defensive line to help stop the run and put pressure on the opposing quarterback.
This year, the Cowboys have allowed143.0 rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest average in the NFL. Additionally, they give up 397.4 yards per game and 30.8 points per game, both of which are the second-highest in the league.
This season, Williams recorded 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in eight games while boasting the highest run-defense grade of any defensive tackle in the NFL.
The Cowboys made their defense infinitely better than it was on Monday night after they lost 27-17 to the Arizona Cardinals. Prescott is fired up that maybe, just maybe, the defense can give him some help for the remaining eight games of the season.