The fortress in Dallas isn’t open for demolition anytime soon.
Star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million extension with the Cowboys, NFL Network reported Monday. The deal for Williams reportedly includes $101 million guaranteed with $63.35 million due at signing.
Williams, 28, is heading into his eighth NFL season and his second with the Cowboys after being traded to Dallas at last year’s trade deadline. He now joins a long list of defensive linemen signing big extensions this summer.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter reset the market in July, signing a long-term extension worth $38 million annually that made him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. Williams falls right behind him, set to earn $35.3 million annually.
Quinnen Williams has been named a Pro Bowler in each of the last four seasons. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Williams had two years remaining on his contract, but Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones made sure to lock him up through the 2030 season. With the extension in place, he is now bound to an overall five-year, $153.15 million deal.
With $101 million in total guarantees, Williams now holds the second-most guaranteed money among all NFL defensive linemen, per Spotrac.
Williams was selected with the third overall pick by the Jets in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He’s been one of the league’s best defensive linemen since entering the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
The Cowboys put quite the investment into Williams before the extension. At last year’s trade deadline, they traded defensive lineman Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick and the more favorable of their two 2027 first-round picks for Williams.
In just seven games, Williams made his impact known. He recorded 21 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception and a pass deflection, while posting an 88.8 Pro Football Focus grade, ranking second among all defensive linemen.
With Williams locked up for the long term, the Cowboys and second-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer can shift their focus to the start of the season. They’re looking to make it back to the postseason after falling short in each of the last two years, going 7-9-1 in 2025.
