The Detroit Lions didn't make any moves ahead of the trade deadline, but that hasn't stopped their division rivals from making deals across the league.
The Dallas Cowboys were very active on the market, as they traded a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the New York Jets for Quinnen Williams. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, they traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for LB Logan Wilson.
The Cowboys added two veterans who will immediately improve that unit, which only makes the Lions' Week 14 contest against Dallas that more difficult.
Cowboys' Additions to Defense Make Week 10 Contest Harder for Lions
Dallas' defense has been massively underwhelming this season, and adding these two players immediately improves its first unit on that side of the ball. Williams has been one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL for the past several years. Over seven seasons, he has compiled 322 total tackles, 59 TFLs, 101 QB hits, and 40 sacks. He also has three Pro Bowl appearances and an All-Pro selection under his belt.
Meanwhile, Wilson will quickly take over one of the Cowboys' LB spots, and they badly need the infusion. Entering this season, Wilson had four straight seasons with 100-plus tackles. The veteran has a knack for being around the football, but fell out of favor in Cincinnati as they chose to roll with some younger options in Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
Nonetheless, the Cowboys were able to add two proven veterans to a unit that needed the juice. Going into Week 10, Dallas ranks 31st in the league in total defense (397.4) and scoring defense (30.8). While Williams and Wilson won't make this Dallas defense a top-10 unit with a snap of their fingers, their presence will certainly help the defense improve in two key areas.
It also doesn't work in Detroit's favor that this game will take place in Week 14, giving the newcomers four weeks to get acclimated to the scheme and their new teammates in Dallas.
Regardless, the Lions are battling in an ultra-competitive NFC North and know they can't afford to drop any games, especially matchups outside of the division. The football world will be tuned in during their upcoming contest, as well, with it being featured nationally on Thursday Night Football.
Every NFL game is tough, but this one against the Cowboys, specifically, got harder after Dallas made these moves.