Jets continue fire sale by trading star DT Quinnen Williams to Cowboys

The Cowboys loaded up on defense while the Jets continued adding future draft picks in the deal.

The New York Jets are cleaning house at the trade deadline.

Moments after officially sending Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, the team agreed to trade Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the news Tuesday, with the trade package including a 2026 second-round pick, 2027 first-round pick (better of Dallas' or Green Bay's) and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Earlier in the day, the Jets acquired two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell from the Colts for Gardner. The teams later confirmed the deal.

Williams, 27, is in the midst of his seventh NFL season -- all spent with the Jets. Drafted third overall in 2019, the star defensive tackle has made three Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2022 with a career-best 12 sacks.

Williams signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension in July 2023, putting him under team control through the 2027 season.

The Cowboys have been seeking pass-rush help since trading away Micah Parsons just before the season. Through Week 9, Dallas ranks 10th in the NFC with 20 sacks as a team. The club had five sacks in their latest loss on Monday Night Football, but Williams should add even more fire-power to the unit.

As for the Jets, it's clear that another full rebuild has begun. Smith, playing the same position as Williams, was drafted 26th overall in 2023 but has largely disappointed in two-plus seasons for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys, sitting at 3-5-1, are all-in for this season despite a discouraging first few months. They are 11th in the NFC playoff picture, currently two losses behind the final wild card spot. Dallas is on its bye in Week 10 before returning to the field Nov. 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.