Based on what Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said before training camp, the team appears more willing than typical to be proactive in contract negotiations with defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. But this week, CBS Sports’ Joel Corry argued the Cowboys still aren’t being proactive enough.
Corry wrote Wednesday the team lost leverage in upcoming Williams contract talks because of several offseason moves.
“The draft capital to obtain Williams already gave him substantial contract leverage,” wrote Corry. “The Odighizuwa trade gave Williams more leverage.
“Shortly thereafter, Dallas announced there wouldn’t be negotiations for a long-term deal with wide receiver George Pickens, who was given a $27.298 million franchise tag.”
Corry also argued the team failed to recognize the best time to negotiate a new deal with Williams was early this offseason.
“Dallas should have anticipated a contract extension for Jalen Carter, whom the Eagles selected ninth overall in 2023’s NFL Draft, and tried to get ahead of it,” added Corry. “After Roseman briefly made Jordan Davis the NFL’s highest-paid nose tackle with a three-year, $78 million extension in March, it should have been apparent that the same was going to be done for Carter with the interior defensive linemen generally when he signed a new deal.”
Williams has two years left on the 4-year, $96 million deal he signed with the New York Jets.
The Cowboys acquired Williams at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. In seven games with Dallas to end last season, he registered 21 combined tackles, including three for loss. Williams also had nine quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, one pass defense and one interception.
Cowboys Already Losing Future Quinnen Williams Contract Talks?
GettyCBS Sports’ Joel Corry argued defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has a lot of leverage in any upcoming contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
It was a bit odd for the Cowboys to acquire Williams at the trade deadline when they weren’t really contending last season. But they made the move in the hopes of going on a run and for future seasons.
While it was a move with foresight, it also telegraphed the organization’s plan along the defensive line. Then on top of that, the Cowboys made other moves this offseason to further indicate they plan to keep Williams long term.
What they’ve created is a situation where they really need Williams now. That gives the player leverage in negotiations.
The Cowboys have become notorious for waiting to engage in contract talks. But because it’s obvious they plan to keep Williams, it would have been prudent to extend him a new deal this offseason. That was the case even though he has two years left on his current contract.
Waiting will not improve Dallas’ negotiating position. It also made the cost more expensive. Contracts for interior defensive line have skyrocketed in the past few months alone.
How Will Jerry Jones Approach Williams’ Next Contract?
GettyOver the next few years, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will have a few star players who will need new contracts.
The Cowboys have become a bit famous for difficult contract talks recently. The most notable example was with edge rusher Micah Parsons, which resulted in Dallas trading the star to the Green Bay Packers.
This offseason, it was with wide receiver George Pickens. Dallas, though, was mostly able to avoid unnecessary drama with the franchise tag.
Pickens will need a contract next March, and at that time, it will no longer be too early to talk to Williams about his next deal.
How the Cowboys navigate contract negotiations with both stars will be a focal point next offseason. There’s a very realistic scenario where the Cowboys make signing Williams a priority over Pickens.
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