Cowboys Go All-In: How Trades for Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson Could Fuel a Playoff Run

After a rocky 3-5-1 start to the 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have officially pushed their chips to the center of the table. With the trade deadline closing, Jerry Jones went all-in — making two aggressive moves designed to ignite a playoff surge after the bye week.

Double Deadline Splash: Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson Join Dallas

On Tuesday morning, the Cowboys opened with a low-risk trade, sending a seventh-round pick to Cincinnati Bengals for linebacker Logan Wilson. Hours later, Jones landed the blockbuster: All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.To acquire the 27-year-old lineman, Dallas sent:

• A 2026 second-round pick

• The better of their or Green BaDak Prescott Sees Parallels to 2018’s Amari Cooper Tradey’s 2027 first-rounders

• Former first-round pick Mazi Smith (DT, 2023)The timing couldn’t be better — with Dallas on its Week 10 bye, both players now have a week to integrate into the playbook and culture before the second-half stretch.

Dak Prescott Sees Parallels to 2018’s Amari Cooper Trade

Quarterback Dak Prescott compared the move to the franchise’s 2018 trade for Amari Cooper, which sparked a 7-2 finish and an NFC East title.“If a big-impact guy comes in during the bye, it can change everything,” Prescott said.“That’s what this league is about — creating streaks, getting hot, and fixing what’s holding us back.”Moments later, when told of Williams’ acquisition, Prescott’s excitement turned candid:“F***ing pumped — you can quote me on that.”Defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa echoed the energy:“Another bullet in the gun. He’s a baller — can’t wait to have him out there.”

Remaining Schedule: Path to the Playoffs

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Dallas ranks 21st in playoff odds at +710, with the 12th-easiest remaining schedule per Tankathon. Still, the road is steep.Next matchups:

• Week 11: at Raiders (2-6)

• Week 12: vs Eagles (6-2)

• Week 13: vs Chiefs (5-4, Thanksgiving)

• Week 14: at Lions (5-3)

• Week 15: vs Vikings (4-4)

• Week 16: vs Chargers (6-3)

• Week 17: at Commanders (3-6, Christmas Day)

Week 18: at Giants (2-7)

Offense Isn’t the Problem — Defense Is

Dallas’ offense already ranks 4th in scoring (29.2 PPG).

• Prescott: 2,319 yards (4th in NFL), 17 TD (t-3rd)• Javonte Williams: 716 rush yards (4th)

• George Pickens: 764 receiving yards (3rd)

• Jake Ferguson: 56 catches (6th), 6 TD (t-4th)

However, the defense ranks near the bottom — allowing 30.8 PPG, second-worst in the league. No NFL team has ever made the playoffs surrendering 30 points per game across a full season.Williams’ arrival is expected to help convert pressures (39.8% rate, 9th in NFL) into sacks (only 20, t-17th overall). Wilson brings reliability at linebacker after struggles from veterans Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn.

Injured Defense Finally Healing Up

Dallas’ secondary has been ravaged, but reinforcements are near:

• CB Shavon Revel (rookie 3rd rounder) — debut expected Week 11

• LB DeMarvion Overshown — likely return Week 11

• S Donovan Wilson (elbow/shoulder) & Juanyeh Thomas (migraines) — both trending upCoordinator Brian Schottenheimer believes the infusion of Williams will change everything:“He creates one-on-ones.

When you can’t slide your center for help, backs must stay in to block. That changes offenses completely.”Williams also ranks second in the NFL with 13 run stuffs, per Next Gen Stats, potentially solving Dallas’ major weakness — allowing 143 rushing yards per game (4th-worst).

Playoff Push or Bust

With the NFC still wide open, the Cowboys know there’s no room for error.“Every game is critical now,” Schottenheimer said.“We’re using the bye to self-scout and integrate the new guys. The goal is to reset, reload, and make this run count.”If Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson can steady a shaky defense, Dallas’ potent offense might finally have the support it needs to spark a late-season playoff push — turning 2025 from disappointment into redemption.