The Dallas Cowboys have locked in veteran defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with a three-year contract extension worth $105.9 million, including $101 million guaranteed and $63.35 million guaranteed at signing. This deal, agreed upon prior to the start of the 2026 NFL season, makes Williams one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league.

Williams, a four-time Pro Bowler, was traded to the Cowboys last season from the New York Jets in a significant deal. Despite signing a four-year, $96 million extension with the Jets in 2023, the Jets traded Williams along with cornerback Sauce Gardner as part of their rebuilding efforts. In return, the Jets received a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

Williams joins an elite group of defensive tackles earning over $30 million per season, alongside Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter, Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, and Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones. The Cowboys’ defensive line has been further strengthened with additions like Kenny Clark, acquired in the Micah Parsons trade, and Rashan Gary, who joined via free agency.

Williams’ career stats include 343 combined tackles, 62 tackles for loss, 41.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and a First Team All-Pro selection during his standout 2022 season with the Jets, where he recorded 12 sacks.

This extension reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to building a formidable defense to complement their potent offense under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Sources