Like many teams around the league, the Cowboys sent a strong message in free agency. However, they did not add a large number of players or keep most of their own players. What is clear for the Cowboys is that they are willing to give opportunities to the young players on the team.
There are a number of players on this roster who are still on their rookie contracts but have yet to have a breakout season. Will there be one this year too? The Cowboys can only hope, especially considering they only signed one player in free agency (Eric Kendricks) and only have six picks in the NFL Draft later this month.
Therefore, the Cowboys will have to rely on some past draft and free agent signings to fill out this roster.
Today we continue our series with defensive end Sam Williams.
- name: Sam Williams
- position: defense end
- experience: 3rd Year
- Games played/started: 25/7
- Remaining years of contract: 2
- how to get: 2n.d. Round pick, 2022 (Ole Miss)
- Key statistics: Williams tied for the team lead with four special teams tackles and also recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2023.
past: Over the past two years, Williams has had to compete for playing time on the defensive end, especially as a pass rusher. In front of a packed house headlined by Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence and veterans Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, Williams recorded 4.0 sacks and 4.5 sacks in two seasons. Last year, Williams ranked third on the team with 4.5 sacks (sixth on the team) despite only having 17 QB pressures. Williams also distinguished himself on special teams as a gunner, an unusual position for a defensive end. He tied for the team lead with four special teams tackles.
the current: The departure of Fowler and Armstrong, who signed with Dan Quinn and Washington, opened the door more than ever for Williams. As a 2022 second-round pick, Williams had to wait his turn behind several veterans, but that wait should be over now. The Cowboys haven't done much in free agency so far, and it appears they have pressing needs beyond a first-round pass rusher. That doesn't rule out the possibility of the Cowboys adding another defensive end, but either way, it's likely Williams will have more opportunities to rush the quarterback.
future: Williams has to show he can be more than just a quarterback, he can be a complete pass and run player. He only had two tackles for loss in 2024, so more playing time should improve his ability in run defense. Another part of Williams' game that needs to be addressed is penalties. Even though he only played about 300 snaps in 2023, he was third on the team with seven penalties. By comparison, Lawrence played over 600 snaps and Parsons had 864, but only nine total penalties. But if Williams can channel some of his aggressiveness while also displaying some of his edge athleticism, this could be a breakout season in his third year.
