Chris Russo Not Convinced of Quinnen Williams’ Impact After Blockbuster Trade to Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys sent a 2027 1st round pick and a 2026 2nd round pick along with DT Mazi Smith to the Jets for Quinnen Williams.

Chris Russo Not Convinced of Quinnen Williams’ Impact After Blockbuster Trade to Cowboys

Quinnen Williams and Chris Russo (Image via Dallas Cowboys/X/Imago)

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The Dallas Cowboys made a blockbuster trade to bolster their defense in the form of Quinnen Williams. They did give up quite a bit to coax the New York Jets to part with him.

Despite that slightly high outlay, the overall impact of this trade positions the franchise to make quite an improvement, at least with regard to the front seven’s performance.

The secondary is still suspect, as leading cornerback Trevon Diggs continues to stay on their injury report. A couple of other players are set to return, and there is hope that the secondary improves, especially with such a formidable front 7 possibly dominating every snap.

Williams can both rush the QB and stop the run, which is why former Cowboys D-tackle Marcus Spears was overjoyed when he heard of this trade. But another ESPN contributor, Chris Russo, did not share that enthusiasm.

He anchored the Jets’ defense the last whatever might be, and never won anything… They unloaded a lot of money for someone who hasn’t won any games for the Jets… Because they did something, you are happy?… This is not a great move.

Chris Russo said on First Take

Basically, the longtime radio host believes that Jerry Jones just did a trade for the sake of doing it. By trading for Quinnen Williams, the Cowboys are getting a player who was good at one point.

Since those two All-Pro nominations, Russo believes the D-tackle has not been elite. He also believes that since the Dallas-based team was desperate, the Jets fleeced Jerry Jones out of two major draft picks and a plug-in D-tackle.

Brian Schottenheimer believes Quinnen Williams is a ‘difference maker’

Chris Russo might have his reservations about Quinnen Williams. So would others, particularly those who believe the team should have addressed other areas of need. However, head coach Brian Schottenheimer seems to be a fan.

Played him a couple of times… He’s just a difference maker. The ability to affect the interior part of the pocket… He’s just so disruptive… You see the talent.

Brian Schottenheimer said after the trade deadline

The first-year head coach explained that, ahead of their Week 5 clash against the Jets, they had to draw up schemes to counter Williams. Then whenever the defensive tackle came out of the game, their offensive line could take a breather.

He then also pointed out that when Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton was with the Jets, Quinnen Williams registered a career-high 12 sacks. That impact should return.

Quinnen Williams credits Cowboys D-Line coach for All-Pro selections

Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton was with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. It was around the same time when Quinnen Williams earned all his Pro Bowl selections.

Quinnen Williams is expected to find his All-Pro form soon
Quinnen Williams is expected to find his All-Pro form soon (Image via Matt King/X)

When the star D-lineman arrived at the Cowboys’ facilities, he was asked about his relationship with Whitecotton, and how he has impacted his growth.

The techniques that he’s taught me, the things he’s done for me in my career have been unbelievable and kinda transcended my career to this day. Being paired back with him, I know the sky is the limit, not for only me, but for this group also.

Quinnen Williams said, as quoted by Jon Machota

If his words end up being true, it could be the very thing that shuts up Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys’ critics. Whenever their collaboration starts to bear fruit, the defense should see some progress.

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