The Cowboys’ future just got seismic as Quinnen Williams lands in Dallas, reshaping the defensive lineup and reigniting Micah Parsons’ blockbuster trade debate.QQ
The Dallas Sports Network crew took a closer look this week at whether the Cowboys’ trade for Micah Parsons looks better in hindsight after Dallas acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
In the latest episode of In or Out, the panel reached full agreement, saying the combination of both trades strengthens Dallas’ long-term roster. Host Chris Yates opened by noting how quickly opinions shifted following the Williams deal. “Maybe that Parson’s trade doesn’t look so bad now, does it?” he said.
The show revisited the full trade package by stacking both deals together. Dallas received Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, a 2026 first-round pick from Green Bay, and salary cap space. The Cowboys sent out Parsons, Mazi Smith—referred to jokingly as “a bag of Cheetos”—a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick.
Scooter said the overall return changes the narrative. “This deal all of a sudden looks much better,” he said. “I would have traded Quinnen Williams for Micah Parson straight up. I agree. So the fact that we were able to get a little bit extra sweetens the deal for me.”
The panel highlighted Williams’ production as another factor. A three-time Pro Bowler, he averaged about six sacks per season and consistently pressured quarterbacks. Jamie Kelton called him “surprisingly almost the face of the Jets” since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2019.
Mark Elfenbein, who previously opposed the Parsons trade, said the new acquisition changes the equation. “I did not like the Michael Parsons trade. I still don’t like the Michael Parsons trade because we didn’t get enough. However, the Quinnon Williams trade is unbelievable,” he said, adding that Williams brings leadership and stability to the locker room.
The group also pointed to Dallas’ young defensive ends and the addition of Kenny Clark as pieces that strengthen the unit around Williams.
The crew closed unanimously “all in” on the combined trades. Yates added that Parsons’ focus on personal stats, podcasts, and inconsistent performances in big games left concerns among coaches. “Sorry. This is a better move,” he said.
