OXNARD, Calif. — Quinnen Williams signed a three-year, $105.9 million extension eight days ago. He spent Thursday talking about his strength numbers. The Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle was asked what his focus had been since the first day of camp.
“For the most part, I feel pretty good right now. And my strength levels are where I want them to be,” Williams said. “My technique is becoming more sound by the day. I’m feeling more comfortable at the tackle spot. So yeah, things are working out.”
Williams said the practice work has come against a difficult opponent.
“I’m just enjoying it, man. I’m enjoying every single day. I’m enjoying going against one of the best offenses in the league,” Williams explained. “Enjoying getting better as a defensive unit. Enjoying competing. And enjoying learning and growing. So camp has been pretty fun, been pretty good, and going in the right direction.”
Dallas ranked second in the NFL in total offense last season.
The Extension
Williams agreed to terms Aug. 10 and signed Aug. 12. The deal includes $101 million guaranteed, with $63.35 million guaranteed at signing and a $31.85 million signing bonus.
The $35.3 million average annual value is second among defensive tackles behind Jalen Carter of Philadelphia. Williams is under contract through 2030.
He is 28 and was the third overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Alabama. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons.
How He Got To Dallas
The Cowboys acquired Williams from the New York Jets at the 2025 trade deadline. Dallas sent a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York.
The 2027 pick going to the Jets is the better of the two first-rounders Dallas holds that year, one of which came from Green Bay in the Micah Parsons trade.
Williams played 7 games for the Cowboys after the trade and posted 21 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception.
He was added to the team’s leadership council in his first offseason in Dallas.
The Room Around Him
Kenny Clark starts alongside him. Clark started all 17 games last season and finished with 36 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 9 quarterback hits. He turns 31 in October and is entering his 11th NFL season.
Otito Ogbonnia and rookie third-round pick LT Overton are in the rotation. Jonathan Bullard has missed nearly two weeks with tendonitis in his abdomen and groin.
Marcus Dixon coaches the defensive line. Christian Parker took over as defensive coordinator in January.
Dallas allowed 511 points last season, the most in the NFL, and finished 30th in yards allowed.
Williams said the Cowboys still had a walkthrough scheduled for Friday before leaving California. Dallas plays at the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday and holds open practices at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26.
The preseason ends against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium on Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. CT.
