Quinnen Williams Agrees to Lucrative Extension with Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have reached an agreement with veteran defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on a three-year extension before the 2026 NFL season. This contract promises to make Williams one of the highest-paid players in his position.

Williams’ new contract is valued at $105.9 million. It includes $101 million in guaranteed money, with $63.35 million guaranteed at signing. Additionally, he will receive a signing bonus of $31.85 million.

Williams has been selected for the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons. He was traded to the Cowboys in a major deal with the New York Jets prior to last season’s deadline.

Quinnen Williams of the Dallas Cowboys smiles during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, Calif., on Aug. 3, 2026. (Getty Images)

The Jets, having a challenging season, opted to trade Williams along with cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. This decision was part of their strategy to rebuild the team. The Jets received a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in return for Williams.

Williams’ trade occurred despite the Jets signing him to a four-year extension worth $96 million, with $66 million guaranteed, in 2023.

Now, the Cowboys have secured Williams, considered one of the best at his position, through the 2030 season. This aligns with team executive vice president Stephen Jones’ priority to strengthen the team’s defense.

Williams is one of four defensive tackles who have signed a contract averaging more than $30 million per season. He joins Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, and Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs in this elite group.

Quinnen Williams of the Dallas Cowboys participates in Pro Bowl team practice during the NFL Pro Bowl Games at Moscone Center South in San Francisco, Calif., on Feb. 2, 2026. (Getty Images)

The Cowboys have also shown financial flexibility by extending fellow defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa with a four-year, $80 million contract.

With the acquisitions of Kenny Clark through the Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers and free agent Rashan Gary from the Packers, the Cowboys have revamped their defense to match their offensive capabilities showcased under head coach Brian Schottenheimer in 2025.

Last season, in seven games with Dallas, Williams accrued 21 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. Throughout his career, Williams has amassed 343 combined tackles, with 62 for loss, 41.5 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. He earned a First Team All-Pro recognition during his standout 2022 season with the Jets, where he recorded 12 sacks.