Cowboys could field pair of brothers on defense next season

The Dallas Cowboys shook the NFL world with their trade for New York Jets star DT Quinnen Williams just before the deadline on Tuesday.

In exchange for the three-time Pro Bowler, Dallas sent Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick, and the better of their two 2027 first-rounders to New York.

The move signaled that the Cowboys are serious about rebuilding their once-feared defense, which has fallen apart over the past two seasons.

However, the fallout from that blockbuster deal (and the subsequent trade of cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner to the Colts) has caused unrest in the Jets’ locker room.

One player in particular, Quinnen’s brother LB Quincy Williams, made waves on social media by voicing frustration about losing his starting job in the wake of the team’s shake-up.

With the trade deadline now passed, Williams is stuck in New Jersey for the remainder of the season unless the Jets decide to release him, which appears unlikely.

If things continue to sour, the 28-year-old linebacker could very well find himself on the open market next spring. And if that happens, Dallas might be the perfect landing spot.

Williams Rise in New York

Quincy Williams has been one of the most underrated linebackers in football over the past few seasons.

A former third-round pick by Jacksonville in 2019, he was claimed off waivers by the Jets in 2021 and quickly became a cornerstone of their defense.

Known for his ferocious tackling and sideline-to-sideline speed, Williams brought an energy and physicality that perfectly complemented Quinnen Williams, his younger brother, on the Jets’ front seven.

During the 2023 campaign, Quincy posted a career-best 139 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks, earning second-team All-Pro honors.

His ability to diagnose plays, cover tight ends, and deliver punishing hits made him one of the league’s most complete linebackers.

Even as the Jets defense faltered this season amid injuries and locker-room discord, Williams remained one of their most consistent contributors.

However, after recent trades and coaching staff changes, it appears he’s fallen out of favor in New York, a move that has left both fans and teammates puzzled.

A Perfect Fit

The Cowboys’ linebacker corps has been one of the biggest weaknesses on their defense in 2025.

With Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn, and even newly acquired Logan Wilson potentially departing this offseason due to contract situations, Dallas will be in desperate need of a playmaking linebacker who can lead the middle of the field.

Quincy Williams could immediately fill that void.

His combination of speed, instincts, and aggression would mesh perfectly with DC Matt Eberflus’ system, which emphasizes pursuit and gap discipline.

Williams’ presence would not only stabilize the run defense but also bring leadership and intensity, qualities that have been lacking since Micah Parsons’ departure.

Adding Quincy alongside his brother Quinnen would also give the Cowboys an instant chemistry advantage on the field, something that could transform their defensive identity.

The Whitecotton Connection

If Dallas does make a push for Quincy Williams in free agency, DL coach Aaron Whitecotton could be the key to making it happen.

Whitecotton coached both Williams brothers during his time with the Jets and has already been instrumental in bringing familiar faces to Dallas.

His influence reportedly helped convince the front office to sign DT Solomon Thomas earlier this year and played a major role in facilitating the Quinnen Williams trade.

With his strong connections to former Jets players and deep understanding of their defensive strengths, Whitecotton gives the Cowboys a built-in recruiting advantage.

If Quincy hits the open market, Dallas would likely be one of the first teams to call, especially if the team looks to rebuild around players who already know each other and can play cohesively from day one.

As the Cowboys continue to reshape their defense, adding Quincy Williams next offseason could be the next move that brings them closer to becoming a championship-caliber unit once again.