Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have ensured one of the cornerstones of their revamped defense will remain in Arlington for years to come as they agreed to a lucrative contract extension with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. They rewarded him less than a year after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade at the 2025 NFL trade deadline.

Read more Baltimore Takes Kalshi and Polymarket to Court Over Unlicensed Sports Betting Claims

Williams’ new deal is worth five years and $153.15 million, including $101 million in total guarantees and $63.35 million guaranteed at signing. The contract also features a $31.85 million signing bonus, with annual salaries of $1.3 million in 2026 and $28.2 million in 2027. The agreement also includes $1 million in active roster bonuses each season, while his 2026 salary cap hit sits at just $8.67 million.

Following the extension, Williams admitted he never envisioned playing anywhere else once Dallas traded for him.

«I knew that the moment they traded for me, I wanted to be here for the rest of my career,» Williams said.

Despite landing one of the biggest contracts for a defensive lineman, Williams revealed there was little celebration after signing the deal.

Read more NBA

«Just because you got guys with the same mindset from top down,» Williams added. «You got a guy like Jerry Jones, he’s a strong believer in winning and winning championships. You got guys like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb. You got the coaching staff. Everybody has the same mindset when it comes down to getting better and winning and doing everything we can possibly do to win… So I’m super excited to be here.»

The contract also provides long-term security for both Williams and the Cowboys, as his first two seasons are fully guaranteed, while his 2028 salary becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2027 league year. The deal also has option bonuses from 2027 through 2030 that can be used as cap-management tools, along with void years extending from 2031 through 2034.

From a salary-cap perspective, the extension gives Jones and the Cowboys additional flexibility heading into the 2026 season. They created approximately $12.9 million in cap space through the restructure, though much of that room is expected to be allocated toward incentives, practice squad costs and injury-related expenses.

Read more Viral photo of LSU players wearing No. 5 to spite Jayden Daniels isn’t what it seems

More NFL news:

• CBS sends clear message on Tony Romo’s $180 million broadcast future amid booth reshuffle
• Cryptic Dak Prescott post from Von Miller puts Jerry Jones’ Cowboys back in the conversation
• Dak Prescott ‘definitely heard’ injured Myles Garrett from the sidelines at joint practice
• Brian Schottenheimer reveals why he delivered expletive-laden scolding with families watching
• J.J. Watt finally breaks silence after moving into Tony Romo’s spot on CBS’s top team