Why Quincy Williams Makes Sense for the Cowboys-and Why the Stars Might Be Aligning
There’s no question about it-locking down George Pickens should be priority No. 1 for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. But if this team wants to take the next step, upgrading the defense isn’t optional-it’s essential. And while pass rusher and cornerback are the most glaring needs on paper, linebacker isn’t far behind.
That’s where things get interesting.
Ohio State’s Sonny Styles has been one of the most frequently mocked prospects to Dallas at No. 12 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. His versatility and athleticism make him a compelling fit in Dan Quinn’s system-or whoever ends up calling the shots on defense. But even if Styles ends up wearing the star, that shouldn’t be the end of the Cowboys’ linebacker retooling.
In fact, free agency might offer a quicker fix-and there’s one name that’s starting to gain serious traction in Cowboys circles: Quincy Williams.
Yes, that Quincy Williams-the older brother of Quinnen Williams, the Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dallas traded for last season. According to reports, Quincy told teammates late last year that he was preparing as if those were his final games with the New York Jets. That’s not exactly subtle.
And if you’re looking for signs, how about this: CeeDee Lamb and Quincy were spotted hanging out post-Super Bowl. It’s the kind of thing that sets social media ablaze in February, when every interaction between NFL players becomes a potential recruiting pitch. But in this case, the dots aren’t hard to connect.
Let’s lay it out: Quincy is likely on his way out of New York. His brother is already a foundational piece of the Cowboys’ defense.
And now he’s spending time with one of the team’s biggest stars in Lamb, who, by the way, spent Super Bowl week publicly campaigning for Dallas to pay George Pickens-even if it meant giving Pickens more money than himself. That’s the kind of leadership and unselfishness that resonates, especially when it comes to building a locker room culture.
Now, Quincy Williams didn’t have his best year in 2025, but context matters. His dip in production had more to do with friction inside the Jets’ building than any decline in skill.
Let’s not forget: he was a first-team All-Pro in 2023. And in 2024, he led all linebackers with 41 defensive stops and ranked 10th in run-defense grade (74.3), per Pro Football Focus.
That’s not just solid-that’s impact production.
Plugging Williams into a linebacker room that could also feature DeMarvion Overshown and a rookie like Sonny Styles? That’s the kind of depth and athleticism Dallas hasn’t had at the position in years. It’s a group that could fly sideline to sideline, hold up in coverage, and bring real juice in run support.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go. Free agency hasn’t opened yet, and we’re not inside Jerry Jones’ war room.
But the signs are there. The connections are real.
And the fit makes a whole lot of sense.
If Dallas is serious about making a championship push in 2026, adding a player like Quincy Williams could be a tone-setting move. He brings energy, experience, and familiarity with the team’s new defensive centerpiece in his brother. The Cowboys have the pieces to make it happen-and the momentum might already be building.