The NFL trade deadline has come and gone. The Dallas Cowboys made moves not just once, but twice, bringing in reinforcements for their struggling defense. Here are the two players they acquired.

LB Logan Wilson

Trade

Cowboys - 2026 7th round selection for

Bengals - Linebacker Logan Wilson

2025 stats- 46 tackles (19 solo tkls) and fumble recovery

On the morning of the deadline, news emerged that the Dallas Cowboys were acquiring veteran linebacker Logan Wilson for a late-round pick. The Cowboys needed linebacker assistance after Jack Sanborn was placed on IR and Kenneth Murray struggled in the Mike linebacker position; they required a reliable Mike linebacker. Wilson is recognized for his physicality, instincts, versatility and effectiveness in run defense, as well as his ability to create turnovers throughout his five-year career. Although his stats this year aren't particularly eye-catching, I believe that in the right atmosphere, we will see an improved Wilson. Therefore, I would give this trade a grade of B.

DT Quinnen Williams

Trade

Cowboys- 2026 2nd round pick, 2027 1st round pick, and DT Mazi Smith

Jets- DT Quinnen Williams

2025 stats - 32 tackles (17 solo tkls), sack 7 tackles for loss and 3 force fumbles

This move came out of nowhere. After already adding veteran DT Kenny Clark earlier this offseason, the Cowboys stunned everyone by trading for 3-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams. Many expected Dallas to give up multiple first-rounders, but the price was far more reasonable: just a 2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick and former 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith, whose career hasn’t panned out. Williams reunites with DL coach Aaron Whitecotton and Solomon Thomas, and that chemistry should pay off fast. Both Thomas and Williams ranked among league leaders in run-stop win rate (45%+), per ESPN. Expect to see them clogging lanes and collapsing pockets together often.

According to Next Gen Stats, Williams has led the league since 2020 in beating double teams (57 wins), just ahead of new teammate Osa Odighizuwa (53). That’s dominance at its finest. With his explosive first step, deep pass-rush arsenal, and relentless motor, Williams is a nightmare for quarterbacks and a brick wall against the run. This addition turns Dallas’s defensive front into one of the best DT groups in the NFL, both on paper and potentially on the field. This trade would be an A.