Cowboys' Stephen Jones Eyes Quinnen Williams Contract Talks After Jalen Carter's New Eagles Deal

After the Philadelphia Eagles announced they agreed to a contract extension with Jalen Carter that runs through the 2031 season, attention quickly turned to another notable defensive tackle within the NFC East.

With Quinnen Williams scheduled for unrestricted free agency in 2028 with an out on his deal for 2027, Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters Tuesday they have held contract talks with the defensive tackle's agent.

"Absolutely," Jones said of the possibility of signing Williams to an extended deal. "We're very open to that. We want Quinnen here for the long haul."

The comments come after Carter made history with his new deal.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday the Eagles agreed to a four-year, $152 million extension that can be worth up to $160 million with $106 million in guarantees. That means Carter is now the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history and the new benchmark for Williams and others at the position to challenge.

Williams has plenty working in his favor.

For one, he's just 28 years old and already has four Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro nod on his resume. Dallas also traded multiple draft picks, including a 2027 first-rounder, to the New York Jets last season to acquire him.

It certainly doesn't want to lose Williams quicker than expected after giving up such capital for him, which means the front office may be even more motivated to come to terms on an agreement.

That the defensive line was an area of concern following the Cowboys' decision to trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before they landed Williams underscores his importance to the team even more.

That gives Williams and his camp plenty of leverage before even getting into the rivalry aspect with the Eagles that may provide the Cowboys even more reason to at least come close to Carter's deal.

If it all works out accordingly, Williams could be looking at quite the new contract.