Cowboys Acquire Williams, Wilson, Elam at Trade Deadline

The Dallas Cowboys bolstered their struggling defense at the NFL trade deadline by acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets and linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, moves that came at a steep cost in future draft capital as the team sits at 3-5-1 through nine games.

In the deal for Williams, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, the Cowboys sent a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the Jets. For Wilson, a tackling standout who has recorded 75 stops over the past two seasons, Dallas parted with a 2026 seventh-round selection. The team also added cornerback Kaair Elam from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2025 seventh-rounder. These acquisitions address key gaps on a unit that ranks 29th in passing yards allowed and 28th in rushing yards allowed, according to league statistics. The Cowboys' secondary has been particularly vulnerable, earning the lowest coverage grade of 36.9 from Pro Football Focus.

The trades follow a controversial preseason move in which the Cowboys dealt star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers amid a contract impasse and concerns over his leadership. In...