​Rewriting my quick takes: name five current defensive tackles who outplay Quinnen Williams. If you’re like most Cowboys fans, you probably can’t. That gap is exactly what makes ESPN’s latest set of positional rankings so perplexing. Williams sits at No. 6 on the list, which has sparked a healthy amount of debate in today’s headlines roundup. Staying on the defensive topic, insiders around The Star say there’s “nothing imminent” with regard to free agent Von Miller, and two team writers offer their views on whether chasing the 37-year-old would be a smart move. But does the Dallas pass rush truly have all the pieces needed for their 2026 “secret formula” in-house?
In other Cowboys news, American Airlines is unveiling the fleet’s largest jet—a 300-seat behemoth—to shuttle the team to Rio de Janeiro for their Week 3 game, while the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are Emmy nominees once again. A former first-round pick who wore the star for eight seasons will send his No. 1-prospect son to Texas… but, unfortunately for Cowboys fans, it’s to participate in the wrong sport.
Several ex-Cowboys also dominate headlines to close the week. Brandin Cooks admits he’s still smarting from his controversial no-catch in Buffalo’s latest playoff defeat, and that feeling will linger until he’s back on the field in 2026. Marcellus Wiley’s legal troubles persist, with reports detailing a major unpaid load ahead of last weekend’s domestic violence allegations. And a former coordinator, Sean Payton, once contemplated stepping aside as Broncos coach long enough to let Bill Belichick break the all-time wins record as his stand-in—an odd plan that fizzled before it began. The revelation of that plan is simply bizarre.
Elsewhere in the league, the Commanders will retire the jersey of a legendary running back who terrorized Cowboys defenders in the 1980s (though that moment won’t coincide with the ’Boys’ visit to D.C.). Raiders owner Mark Davis wades into the grass-versus-turf debate with a stance that won’t win him many friends among fellow owners like Jerry Jones. And who is the mystery figure who, despite a “conflict of interest,” provided Seahawks coach Mike McDaniel with valuable intel before their Super Bowl date with the Patriots?
Quinnen Williams continues to be under fire in NFL DL rankings from insiders at SI.com (link). There’s no imminent movement on Von Miller from the Cowboys after rumors heated up (link). Would adding Von Miller make sense for the Cowboys’ defense? (link) The Cowboys insist they have a “secret formula” to bolster their pass rush (link). A Cowboys UDFA fits a familiar mold—could he deliver where others couldn’t? (link) American Airlines plans to deploy its largest plane yet to fly the Cowboys to Brazil for their NFL game (link). America’s Sweethearts Season 3 earns Emmy buzz on Netflix (link). Jadeveon Clowney landing spots continue to surface, as five teams could be in the mix (minimum 500 words).