In a surprising turn of events, the New York Jets, who were initially resisting the idea of a fire sale, have found themselves making significant trades that alter the landscape of their roster. Instead of dismantling the team, the Jets are effectively engaging in what some might call a "full retail" approach, having acquired three first-round picks along with additional assets.
The Jets recently sent cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, marking the beginning of their roster transformation. Now, they have taken another bold step by trading defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. According to multiple reports, the Cowboys are offering a first-round pick and a second-round pick in exchange for Williams. Notably, this is the Cowboys' original first-round pick rather than the one they acquired from the Green Bay Packers during the trade for Micah Parsons.
Quinnen Williams, who was selected as the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, brings a wealth of talent to Dallas. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022 and has earned three Pro Bowl selections throughout his career. His addition to the Cowboys comes at a critical time as the team struggles with one of the worst defenses in the NFL, currently sitting at a 3-5-1 record. This trade could be a pivotal moment, as the Cowboys face a challenging road ahead in their pursuit of the playoffs.
Williams is under contract through 2027, providing the Cowboys with a long-term solution on their defensive line. His base salary is set to rise significantly, starting at $15.65 million in 2025, increasing to $20.75 million in 2026, and culminating at $25.4 million in 2027. These figures indicate a substantial investment by the Cowboys in securing one of the league’s top defensive talents.
With these trades, the New York Jets are clearly signaling a shift in strategy, one that could redefine their future. Rather than a traditional fire sale, they are positioning themselves to build a stronger team through smart acquisitions and strategic trades. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the Jets to see how these bold moves impact their quest for success in the coming seasons.
