The Dallas Cowboys know that upgrading their defense must be a top priority this offseason. The Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator, but that's only the start of the equation. Several defensive positions need bolstering, with linebacker will be at the top of the list for needs.
The Cowboys didn't get enough production from that unit in 2025, and Quinnen Williams may be a driving force in improving the linebacker position. His brother, Quincy Williams, will hit free agency and could be an ideal target for them next month.
Quincy Williams May Be Cowboys Target in Free Agency
Ahead of the trade deadline, ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the Cowboys tried to get both Quinnen and Quincy in one deal, but things fell through.
"I heard that at one point, the Cowboys were talking to the Jets about a deal that would have sent Dallas both Williams brothers — Quinnen and linebacker Quincy Williams," Graziano wrote. "But that didn’t work out, and the Cowboys pivoted to former Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson.”
The decision to get Wilson didn't work out, as he logged just 224 defensive snaps from Weeks 11-18. In those outings, he had 24 total tackles and a 52.4 overall grade on Pro Football Focus. The Cowboys need to get more athleticism in the middle of the field, and that's where Quincy can bring some juice.
During his time with the Jets, he developed into a heat-seeking missile, with the speed to fly sideline to sideline. In five seasons with the Jets, he compiled 554 total tackles, 58 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and 27 pass deflections. Quincy earned First-Team All-Pro nods during the 2023 season, displaying what his ceiling can be.
This past season, things didn't go as planned for Quincy and Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. He was briefly benched but still finished third on the team in total tackles (83).
The two brothers spending time together in New York was something they both loved and didn't take for granted. The chance to do it again will certainly be at the top of the list for both players. It would also provide the Cowboys with more athleticism and juice at a position of need.
Spotrac projects that Quincy will command a one-year, $9.2 million deal in free agency. With the Jones family running the show, you never know how the offseason will pan out, but there was certainly interest from their side.
Just a couple of months ago, there was a world where Quincy came to Dallas with his brother Quinnen, but it didn't get across the finish line. With free agency kicking off next month, the Cowboys could revisit this scenario and land a veteran to help address a position of need.
It would be a move that would be praised by Quinnen and help keep their new defensive star happy. And it would make America's Team better at LB, proving to be a win-win.