NFL Trade Deadline Concludes
We are halfway through the NFL season, and it’s time to start predicting playoff teams, Super Bowl matchups and more! One topic that has recently caught the eyes of the public is the NFL trade deadline. Last week, on Nov. 4, the NFL had its official deadline for teams to make trades for players and draft picks. Dallas Cowboys fans prayed that with another disappointing season, the team would make some drastic changes to help improve their team. This dream was accomplished by acquiring Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams to add to the Cowboys’ defense.
The Dallas Cowboys went into the deadline on a bye week, after an embarrassing 27-17 loss vs the Arizona Cardinals last MondayCowboys Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones addressed the media before the Monday night matchup, stating that he had made a key trade that would immediately impact the team. Fans waited and speculated as to what this “key trade” could be, and the following morning, Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams became Dallas Cowboys.
Logan Wilson, the third-round pick linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, became an immediate starter for Cincinnati. Wilson, in his five years in the league, has recorded 5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions and 315 solo tackles. Wilson was well known for his impressive strength and intelligence on defense. Wilson was also a well-known leader for the Bengals’ defense, something that has been lacking for the Dallas Cowboys this season. Dallas gave up a 2026 seventh-round pick for the young linebacker.
Quinnen Williams, the powerhouse three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle drafted in 2019 by the New York Jets, is well known for his impressive strength and presence on the line. This season, he has 32 tackles, 1 sack and 3 forced fumbles. The most impressive part of Williams’ game is his pressure rate. In 2024, he had a 12% pressure rating, and this year is currently scoring a 9% pressure rate; regardless of this being a decline from last season, Williams is still performing at an elite level for his position. The Dallas Cowboys gave up a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick and third-year defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the New York Jets.
Dallas acquired two key position players while sacrificing minimal draft capital and player loss. Both Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson have existing contracts that will lock the two stars for the foreseeable future. These contracts will also not affect any intentions of
extending star offensive players such as Wide Receiver George Pickens or Running Back Javonte Williams.
After the trade deadline, we can now return to the Micah Parsons trade and review how this panned out for Jerry Jones and his Cowboys. By getting rid of Micah Parsons, the Cowboys acquired a first-round pick in 2026, a star defensive lineman in Quinnen Williams and a veteran presence at linebacker in Logan Wilson. Overall, the Dallas Cowboys redeemed themselves after a rough start to the season and a questionable move to trade Parsons.
This trade may not help the Dallas Cowboys this season and their playoff hopes, but with a full off-season of training, possible coaching changes and drafting elite college talent, the Dallas Cowboys can be set for a playoff push in 2026. For the remainder of this season, Dallas’ biggest keys will be keeping their star players healthy, making sure contracts for free agents are secured, as well as planning who they would like to draft from college talent. Dallas can also continue to push the free agency market in the upcoming off-season; it will all depend on the aggressiveness of Jerry Jones and the front office.
Cowboys fans are in for a potentially rocky second half to the season. We could see a lot of new faces in Dallas next season. Regardless, there must be credit given to the front office for their accomplishments at the trade deadline. As the legendary coach Jimmy Johnson used to say, “How ‘bout Dem Cowboys”!