3 Cowboys who aren't safe with Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator

1. DE Sam Williams

Zimmer is credited with the development of Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen, who formed one of the most vaunted edge rushing duos in the NFL for a period of time. Both Hunter and Griffen made two Pro Bowls and posted over 60 sacks under Zimmer's watch.

By and large, Zimmer has done great work with defensive ends. He'll likely work wonders with Micah Parsons, who finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, but Sam Williams could be a different story.

Zimmer is a no-nonsense coach. He isn't here to become your friend. That's not to say players don't respect him or that he doesn't form close relationships with his players, but Williams' volatile style of play and vibrant personality could clash with the 67-year-old.

It feels like Zimmer and Williams could be a match made in heaven or a disaster partnership with no in between. That's a scary thought, as Williams enters a pivotal year three in 2024 with the potential to play the most snaps of his career being that Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler are free agents.

Williams has flashed oodles of potential in his first two seasons, but he's been just as reckless and undisciplined. If the 2022 second-round pick doesn't clean up his penalties, he could find himself in Zimmer's doghouse.

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