We have seen a lot of changes with the Dallas Cowboys' defense this offseason, and for good reason. Last year, they couldn't get any pressure, they couldn't tackle, and they couldn't defend. Now, with the Cowboys already going in another direction with new pieces on defense, it could spell the end of one familiar face, Sam Williams.
Williams has been a raw talent since coming out of Ole Miss in 2022 as a second-round pick, a round that has historically been trouble for Jerry Jones. Since coming in, Williams has racked up 85 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 22 tackles for loss. He also suffered an ACL tear in training camp in 2024.
Skywalker Steele Unleashed, a Cowboys podcast, discussed how Williams can be effective but may also be on his last legs as a Cowboys player. His only lifeline: Brandon "BT" Jordan, the Cowboys' pass rush specialist.
"Can BT Jordan's impact reach Sam Williams in time? There's no technical nuance or savviness to Sam Williams' game...I think BT Jordan is going to have to get something out of him immediately if Sam wants to be that Manu Ginobili off the bench as a pass rusher."
Brandon "BT" Jordan is the last hope to make something special out of Sam Williams
Williams has plenty of strength at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, but he hasn't shown any mobility. It sounds bad to say that power isn't great to have as a defensive end in the NFL, but you at least have to show some quickness to get around the edge.
Soon-to-be second-year man Donovan Ezeiruaku looks like he's going to be depended on to take a step up. He's also just another younger face in a roster that's continued to go in a different direction.
Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence and LT Overton are going to be getting some reps, and likely in front of Williams, but his body needs to be worked on in a way that only his new pass rush specialist can handle.
Jordan is the last one to save Williams, but there's hope. Jordan has a history of working with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. He's also worked with some of the best pass rushers out there, like T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons. Williams is about to enter his fifth season, and while he's got a hefty size that most NFL players would dream of, he's got to get better at getting an advantage on the edge.
Working under Mike Zimmer and Matt Eberflus was hard on everybody, but now, the Cowboys' defenders have two great resources in Christian Parker and Jordan. Williams may not be the only one to see the door soon. Marist Liufau may also be on his way out, and if he is, the Cowboys could get a late-round pick in return.
That could be the same for Williams by the trade deadline. There's still time, but not too much time.
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