The Dallas Cowboys have reached a three-year extension agreement with veteran defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, positioning him as one of the top earners at his position in the NFL. This new extension, finalized before the 2026 NFL season, is valued at $105.9 million. Of this, Williams will receive $101 million in guaranteed money, along with a $63.35 million guarantee at signing. Additionally, he will benefit from a signing bonus totaling $31.85 million.
Williams has participated in the last four Pro Bowls and was traded to the Cowboys last season in a significant transaction with the New York Jets. During training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, Calif., Williams radiated confidence on August 3, 2026.
The Jets, amidst another challenging season, chose to part with Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner, now with the Indianapolis Colts. This move involved trading two top four NFL Draft picks as the team continues its rebuilding process. Notably, Williams had signed a four-year, $96 million extension with the Jets in 2023, which included $66 million guaranteed. The Jets received a second-round pick in 2026, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in exchange for Williams.
The Cowboys have now secured Williams through the 2030 season, a priority identified by team executive vice president Stephen Jones at the onset of training camp. Williams is one of only four defensive tackles signing contracts averaging over $30 million annually. Others in this elite group include the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter, the Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones.
Besides Williams, the Cowboys have signed fellow defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa on a four-year, $80 million extension to maintain a robust defense line alongside Williams. Additionally, with the acquisition of Kenny Clark in a trade involving Micah Parsons from the Green Bay Packers and former Packers defensive end Rashan Gary joining via free agency, the Cowboys have significantly reinforced their defense in preparation for the 2026 season.
In his seven games for Dallas last season, Williams achieved 21 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. Over his career, he has accumulated 343 combined tackles, 62 tackles for loss, 41.5 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. His standout 2022 season with the Jets saw him earn a First Team All-Pro distinction with 12 sacks to his credit.