Cowboys celebrate after ‘exciting’ trades for Quinnen Williams, Logan Wilson: ‘I’m (expletive) pumped’
Fresh off an embarrassing defensive showing in front of a national audience on Monday night, the Cowboys aggressively addressed their deficiencies with two trades on Tuesday.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson are the newest wearers of the Star. At 27 and 29 years old, respectively, both are firmly in their prime. Both also represent renewed hope for the 3-5-1 Cowboys.
“It’s exciting,” Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said of Dallas’ trades, via the team’s official site. “Kudos to (owner) Jerry (Jones) and (EVP) Stephen (Jones), (VP of player personnel) Will (McClay), being aggressive but then smart. A couple of moves we made, you’re getting guys not just for this year but beyond, which I think is great. … I think it’s two terrific players, but also terrific young men.”
Williams is the more noteworthy of the two additions, adding a three-time Pro Bowler to a defensive front that ranks 29th against the run and 21st in sacks per pass attempt. Wilson, meanwhile, brings a veteran to a linebacking corps that could use another experienced player.
Both moves were made with the present in mind.
Dallas’ decision to trade Micah Parsons before the start of the season kneecapped its pass rush, at least as its reputation was concerned. Instead of preparing extensively to stop or limit the game-wrecking edge rusher wearing No. 11, opponents could rest easily knowing their offensive operation wouldn’t have to overcome the impact made by the two-time All-Pro.
Williams now rounds out a front four that includes veterans Kenny Clark and Dante Fowler, and gives opposing protection units another player to worry about on every snap, potentially freeing up lesser-known participants to make a larger impact for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ beleaguered unit.
“He’s just a difference maker,” Schottenheimer said of Williams. “The ability to affect the interior part of the pocket from a pass rush standpoint… very disruptive. For us, there’s certain calls you make and you’re aware of when he’s in the game because he’s just so disruptive.”
