The Dallas Cowboys announced an agreement with star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on a three-year extension valued at $105.9 million. The deal includes $101 million in total guarantees, with $63.35 million fully guaranteed at signing, marking the most guaranteed money at signing ever received by a defensive tackle in NFL history.
Williams’ $35.3 million average annual value ranks second among defensive linemen in the league. He trails Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter at $38 million annually but exceeds Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons at $35.27 million. The extension locks in the 28-year-old after the Cowboys acquired him mid-season from the New York Jets in exchange for defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick, and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.
The signing represents part of a broader defensive overhaul by Dallas following a 2025 season in which the team’s defense ranked among the league’s worst. The Cowboys allowed 30.1 points per game, the most in the NFL, along with 377.0 total yards per game and 251.5 passing yards per game. To address these issues, Dallas used two first-round picks on defense in the 2026 draft, selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall and UCF edge rusher Malachai Lawrence at No. 23 overall. The team also acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the 49ers and signed edge rusher Rashan Gary, safety Jalen Thompson, and cornerback Cobie Durant in free agency.
Williams was selected third overall by the Jets in 2019 and has established himself as a premier defensive lineman. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 and has received Pro Bowl nominations for the past four seasons. Last season, splitting time between Dallas and New York, Williams recorded 53 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus awarded him a 91.7 run defense grade last season, the highest among interior defensive linemen.
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