The Dallas Cowboys have reached an agreement with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension, securing one of the centerpiece players of their defense through the 2029 season.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal includes $101 million in total guarantees and $63.35 million guaranteed at signing, according to multiple reports. The extension gives Williams an average annual value of $35.3 million and represents the largest third contract ever awarded to an NFL defensive lineman.
Williams, 28, joined Dallas in a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets last November. The Cowboys surrendered a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round selection and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to acquire the four-time Pro Bowler. The move made Williams a major part of Dallas’ plans on defense, and the team had indicated during training camp that it wanted to keep him beyond his existing contract, which was scheduled to run through the 2027 season.
The extension comes less than two weeks after Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said the organization wanted to begin discussions with Williams about a long-term future in Dallas. Williams subsequently expressed his desire to remain with the team, citing the quality of the organization and his goal of helping the Cowboys compete for a championship.
Williams’ first season with Dallas was not his most productive statistically, as he recorded 1.5 sacks and 21 tackles in seven games after the trade. He finished the 2025 season with 2.5 sacks, 53 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception in 15 games. The Cowboys are betting that a full offseason and season in their system will allow the former No. 3 overall pick and 2022 first-team All-Pro to return to the level that made him one of the league’s premier interior defenders.
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