In a move that shocked the NFL world, today, the Dallas Cowboys traded for Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The team desperately needed defensive help, considering they’re ranked 31st in PFSN’s Defensive Impact metrics.
The addition gives the Cowboys a dominant interior presence they have been lacking. Williams is capable of collapsing the pocket and stopping the run. While Williams immediately boosts the Cowboys’ defense, the move also comes with significant salary cap implications.
It appears that in the following year, Dallas will face a challenging salary cap situation.
What Financial Challenges Do the Cowboys Face After the Quinnen Williams Trade?
Williams will produce great production for the Cowboys, but the trade will impact how the Cowboys structure their roster moving forward. A tweet by seasoned Cowboys journalist, Nick Harris, highlights just how crowded and expensive the Cowboys’ interior defensive line has become.
He wrote on the X post, “Something the #Cowboys will have to figure out: Quinnen Williams ($21.75M), Kenny Clark ($21.5M) and Osa Odighizuwa ($20.75M) have the fourth, fifth and sixth-largest cap hits in 2026 for the team. Will they be willing to pay $64 million to three defensive tackles?”
Something the #Cowboys will have to figure out:
Quinnen Williams ($21.75M), Kenny Clark ($21.5M) and Osa Odighizuwa ($20.75M) have the fourth, fifth and sixth-largest cap hits in 2026 for the team.
Will they be willing to pay $64 million to three defensive tackles?
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 4, 2025
Dallas has a solid core of interior linemen, but the issue is that they will be committing about $64 million to the next season.
Dallas acquired Kenny Clark in the trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. In nine games this season, Clark has recorded 21 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. While the numbers aren’t anything extraordinary, a significant portion of the defensive tackles’ value can’t be quantified.
For example, it is Clark’s goal to stuff running gaps and draw double teams, allowing linebackers and edge rushers to make plays. Next season, Clark has a cap hit of $21.5 million.
READ MORE: 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker
Comparatively, Osa Odighizuwa was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft with their third-round pick. This season, Odighizuwa has recorded 25 total tackles and one sack. Similar to Clark, the value comes from non-statistical things, as mentioned prior. In 2026, Odighizuwa will have a cap hit of $20.75 million.
With Williams in the building, the Cowboys will likely make a difficult decision in the offseason. Carrying three defensive tackles with cap hits that large is rare in today’s NFL. Dallas will need to determine whether keeping the trio together is financially worthwhile or if future restructuring, trades, or releases become necessary.
For now, the focus is on the trio’s on-field production. The Cowboys’ previously underwhelming defensive unit has received a significant upgrade today, following an earlier trade for Logan Wilson. With the salary cap issue looming, Clark and Odighizuwa are fighting for their future with the Cowboys.