The New York Jets shipped long-time defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys at the trade deadline, bringing back a haul of future draft capital.
There could have been several teams talking with the Jets amidst their fire sale, but NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Jacksonville Jaguars were interested in Williams' services.
"The #Jaguars were active in exploring a trade for #Jets DT Quinnen Williams before he was dealt to Dallas. New York ultimately made the deal with the Cowboys, but Jacksonville made a 'strong push' and it wasn’t for a lack of trying," Schultz wrote in a post on X.
Jaguars made 'strong push' for Jets' Quinnen Williams
The Jaguars were likely deterred from the trade due to their inability to match the Cowboys' offer for Williams.
Dallas ended up shipping New York their 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and former first-round selection Mazi Smith.
Some fans theorized that with the Jags rumored to be shopping wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., there may have been discussions surrounding a Williams for Thomas swap.
"Seems like it was WR Brian Thomas Jr that was the Player the Jets wanted in the Player for Player trade that fell through," wrote Jets Media on X.
The Jets ended up acquiring a wide receiver anyway, plucking Adonai Mitchell from the Indianapolis Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade.
Regardless, the Jets will now finish the 2025 season without two of their defensive cornerstones, and are set up for future success with a treasure trove of draft picks.
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