The Dallas Cowboys prioritized their defense during the offseason. They focused mainly on strengthening the pass-rusher position. The team made significant moves by acquiring Pro Bowler Rashan Gary, signing former All-Pro Von Miller, and drafting talents Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. These actions might impact some current defensive ends.
According to Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report, Sam Williams could be at risk. Davenport suggests Williams might be cut when the Cowboys finalize their roster. He expressed concerns about Williams’ future, stating, “Sam Williams once appeared to be an ascending young edge-rusher for the Dallas Cowboys. Williams may have to jump-start his career elsewhere.” With Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, rookie Lawrence, and Miller likely set for the 53-man roster, Williams may be squeezed out. Davenport noted, “This could leave only one or two spots for Williams, Marist Liufau and James Houston, and Liufau is a core special teams contributor. Williams would no doubt quickly get scooped up, but the truth is there may not be room for him in Dallas anymore.”
During his three years with the Cowboys, Williams recorded 85 tackles, 9.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. The 27-year-old faced challenges, missing the entire 2024 season due to an ACL injury sustained in the preseason. In the previous season, he played all 17 games but managed only one sack.
With the Cowboys enhancing their roster, Williams is aware of his uncertain position. He embraces the challenge, noting, “I took all the reports, all the negative comments, everything, and I took it in and I looked at myself in the mirror because you can’t get better unless you know what you’re doing wrong. So, everything that I’ve seen, I try to fix. Like even in my room, it’s written on the mirror.” He is determined to improve, adding, “At the end of the day, I just took all the negatives and, you know, look myself in the mirror. Not blaming no one else and just work. Just work, work, work. Put my head down and let my work speak for itself.”