This former Alabama Crimson Tide star could find himself in some trouble after beating dealt at the NFL trade deadline.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide star Quinnen Williams switched NFL teams at the trade deadline on Tuesday, going from the New York Jets to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Jets were handsomely compensated for Williams, landing a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-rounder and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in return.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys bagged themselves a three-time Pro Bowler who is widely regarded as one of the best interior defenders in football.
But problems could arise for Williams in Dallas.
Why? Because of his contract, which was part of the reason why the Jets traded him to begin with.
Williams is under wraps through 2027, but don't let the length of the deal fool you. He only has $5 million in guaranteed money coming to him in 2026 and none in the final year of his pact.
The 27-year-old wanted New York to restructure his contract before the 2025 campaign began, but the Jets declined, which played a significant role in forming a wedge between the two sides.
Here is the issue with Williams: a few years ago, he was one of the most dominant players in the NFL, period. Back in 2022, he racked up 55 tackles, 12 sacks and 28 quarterback hits, earning himself a First-Team All-Pro selection for his efforts.
Quinnen Williams. Credit: Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.The Alabama product has still been good since then, but not quite as unstoppable. He totaled 11.5 sacks between 2023 and 2024, and through eight games this season, Williams has logged just one sack and three quarterback hits.
Williams' production has steadily dipped since his best campaign, and while it's far too early to say that the former No. 3 overall pick is on a decline, we can't entirely rule it out, either.
What will the Cowboys do here? Will they rework Williams' deal like he desires? Or will they simply go year to year with him and risk a training camp holdout?
Remember: Dallas just traded away Micah Parsons because it could not come to terms on a long-term deal with the superstar edge rusher. Williams' situation is not quite the same, but it isn't completely unique, either.
Because the Cowboys have already extended the likes of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and DaRon Bland (not to mention other players), there isn't a ton of money left in the till. That could absolutely complicate things with Williams, potentially damaging the relationship from the get-go.
Williams got his wish in being jettisoned from the Big Apple. He didn't want to be with the Jets anymore, and they obliged. But who is to say that similar friction won't occur in Dallas?
It's a tough situation for the Crimson Tide legend.