Dallas Cowboys COO and co-owner Stephen Jones said during training camp that the team has had discussions about signing defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to a contract extension. Williams then expressed his desire to be in Dallas for the “long haul” early on in camp. The two sides were able to back up those statements.

The Cowboys and Williams agreed to terms on a three-year extension, a person familiar with the matter told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the matter.

Williams’ deal will be worth up to $105.9 million. It will come with $101 million in total guarantees and $63.5 million guaranteed at signing. His average annual value (AAV) of $35.3 million ranks second among NFL defensive tackles behind only Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Carter ($38 million).

The deal comes in an offseason where defensive tackles have cashed in. The Tennessee Titans signed DT Jeffery Simmons to a record-breaking new deal. Simmons was then leapfrogged when the Philadelphia Eagles inked Jalen Carter to a contract that made him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.

The Cowboys have invested a lot in Williams already, giving up a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in exchange for Williams during the 2025 season.

Williams is entering his eighth season and first full year with the Cowboys. The four-time Pro Bowler has quickly become a lynchpin of the Cowboys’ defense. The defensive tackle is also part of the Cowboys’ leadership council.

The 6-foot-3, 312-pound defensive tackle has produced 343 tackles, 41.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss in 105 career regular-season games. Impressive numbers for an interior defensive lineman, but he’s never been a part of a playoff team. He’s hopeful his tenure with the Cowboys includes some playoff appearances.

“You got a phenomenal group, a phenomenal staff, organization-wise, it’s unbelievable,” Williams said in July. “I definitely want to be here for the long haul.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.