The Dallas Cowboys don't like to give up on draft picks if they don't have to, but former 2nd-round pick Sam Williams has hit a pivotal crossroads entering the 2026 offseason.
After finishing fifth in the NFL in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting back in the 2022 season, the Cowboys have been waiting for him to have the type of breakout season where they can actually put some faith in him contributing meaningful snaps off the edge.
After starting five games last season, playing 474 snaps, and finishing with just four quarterback hits and one sack, the Cowboys made moves to either light a spark under Williams or decide to move on from him a lot more easily.
Sam Williams could be entering his last training camp with the Cowboys in 2026
The Cowboys have made a lot of moves, especially on the defensive front, to upgrade that side of the ball over the last 18 months.
They used a second-round pick last year on Boston College star Donovan Ezeiruaku, and he was considered a major steal for the Cowboys because he routinely appeared in the first round of NFL mock draft scenarios.
They also upgraded off the edge this offseason by making yet another trade with the Green Bay Packers, acquiring veteran Rashan Gary to be a veteran presence.
As notable a name as Gary is, his role may simply be to clear the path for first-round pick Malachi Lawrence, an intimidating athletic presence off the edge who might only be scratching the surface of his pass rush potential.
It's clear, based on the direction they've taken in the NFL Draft, that the Cowboys no longer internally view Williams as having the upside to start in their defense coming off the edge, at least not as the primary option. But the one aspect of Williams's game that really works in his favor is his experience on special teams.
In three NFL seasons, he's racked up 687 special teams snaps, and might be a non-negotiable in that phase of the game for special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen.
It could also work in Williams's factor to be playing in a 3-4 defense again with Christian Parker now calling the plays on that side of the ball.
Being another year removed from a major knee injury, being back in a 3-4 scheme at outside linebacker, and getting fresh eyes on the coaching staff could all benefit Williams this offseason. The Cowboys brought him back on a one-year deal with $2 million in guaranteed money. That would be a hefty chunk of change to spend on someone who gets cut out of camp, so Williams might be safe, but the vision for him as a player is at a major crossroads this offseason.
A strong performance at camp and in the preseason could put him back on the map as a true option off the edge.
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