A big payday for a key defender
The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million extension with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The team announced the deal on Tuesday. The contract includes $101 million in guaranteed money. Williams will receive $63.35 million guaranteed at signing and a $31.85 million signing bonus. The extension begins in 2028, after the two years left on his current deal. It keeps the four-time Pro Bowler in Dallas through the 2030 season.
Second-highest paid at his position
The new deal makes Williams one of the highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL. His average annual value of $35.3 million ranks second among defensive tackles. Only Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles earns more at the position. Williams joins Carter, Jeffery Simmons of the Titans and Chris Jones of the Chiefs as the only defensive tackles with deals averaging more than $30 million per season.
Building a wall in the middle
Williams arrived in Dallas during the 2025 season in a trade with the New York Jets. The Cowboys sent a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York. In seven games with Dallas, Williams recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception. He is part of a rebuilt defensive front that includes fellow tackle Kenny Clark, second-year end Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr. The Cowboys also signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million extension. The moves show the team is willing to spend to keep its defense together as it chases a deep playoff run.