DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys announced Monday a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, addressing a significant roster priority as training camp continues.
Williams' new deal includes $101 million in total guarantees. The $63.35 million fully guaranteed at signing sets an NFL record for defensive tackles.
His average annual value of $35.3 million ranks him second among defensive tackles, according to Over the Cap. He sits just above Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons ($35.27 million annually) and behind Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter ($38 million per year).
The extension for the 28-year-old Williams comes ahead of schedule. Williams was previously under team control through the 2027 season on a contract signed with the New York Jets, but the guarantees in that deal were set to expire after this season.
Dallas initially acquired Williams in a trade during the 2025 season, sending defensive tackle Mazi Smith and a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Jets. The deal also included a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft — the higher of Dallas' own pick or the Green Bay Packers' pick that year.
The extension caps a broad defensive overhaul. Dallas' defense ranked among the worst in the NFL in 2025, allowing a league-worst 30.1 points per game. The Cowboys also tied Buffalo for the most rushing touchdowns allowed that season, with 24.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, Dallas used both first-round picks on defense: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall and UCF edge rusher Malachai Lawrence at No. 23 overall. The Cowboys also acquired linebacker Dee Winters in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers and signed edge rusher Rashan Gary, safety Jalen Thompson and corner Cobie Durant in free agency.
Williams earned a 91.7 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus last season, ranking No. 1 among all interior defensive linemen.
Williams entered the NFL as the third overall pick in the 2019 draft with the Jets. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 and has received a Pro Bowl selection in each of the past four seasons.
