Quinnen Williams was tired of losing with the Jets.
The three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle sounded off on Gang Green’s poor play after being dealt to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 second-rounder, 2027 first-rounder and DT Mazi Smith before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
“I think the world knew I was frustrated being there so long and still losing,” Williams told reporters Wednesday. “Any ultra competitor, man, any guy who plays this game to win is going to be frustrated no matter if you win 100 games and lose that one.”
New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Williams’ comments confirm rumors of him being unhappy with the Jets, who are 1-7 heading into Week’s 10 game against the Browns.
Williams, a 2019 first-round pick and 2022 first team All-Pro, was never part of a winning Jets team in seven seasons with the team.
Despite his frustrations with the team, Williams made it clear his heart was still in New York after the blockbuster deal in a goodbye to Jets fans on social media.
“New York will always have a special place in my heart,” Williams wrote on X. “To my teammates, coaches, and the entire Jets organization, thank you for believing in me and helping me develop on and off the field. To the fans, thank you for embracing a kid from Alabama and showing love through every high and low. You welcomed me with open arms, and gave me a place to grow. Your energy and passion made every game unforgettable.”
The Jets traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Williams has long been one of the top players on the Jets defense, recording 40 sacks over the course of his career.
In 2025, Williams made 32 tackles, a sack, three forced fumbles and three quarterback hurries.
He joins a Cowboys team sitting at 3-5-1 after they fell to the Cardinals on “Monday Night Football” earlier this week.
The deal came on a busy day for the Jets.
The franchise also traded star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell.