Cowboys Don't Have to Look Far for Perfect Sam Williams Replacement

Sam Williams' struggles could force the Dallas Cowboys' hand to replace him with a rookie.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys' defense finally showed some signs of life in Week 7. They were better than one might tell by the final score, and it was a nice breath of fresh air after a complicated week for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

However, that doesn't mean this team's problems are fixed all of a sudden. If anything, they need to build from that success and get better for the second half of the season. To do so, it might be time to move on from defensive end Sam Williams.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys' fourth-year EDGE rusher is the fifth-worst exterior defender in the NFL with an overall grade of 40.8. A replacement is clearly needed, and with that in mind, the Cowboys should turn to rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku to replace Williams in the starting lineup.

Cowboys Must Replace Sam Williams with Donovan Ezeiruaku

Ezeiruaku has been turning the corner recently. As pointed out by Cowboys blogger Brandon Loree, he's currently tied for first in defensive stops (10) among rookie defensive ends. He was also first in defense grade (70.8), first in tackles (13), tied-second in pressures (14), and third in pass-rush grade (67.4) after the win over the Washington Commanders and before Monday Night Football.

The sample size is limited, and his raw stats might not be impressive; however, Ezeiruaku was an absolute force in college, and that success is starting to translate to the NFL. Not that the bar is particularly high, but he might already be one of Dallas' most efficient pass rushers this season.

The second-round rookie finally had his first career sack, which is an odd thing to say about a player who led the ACC with 16.5 sacks in his final season in college. Still, it's just a matter of time before he adds to that tally, especially if the coaching staff finally gives him more than 50% of defensive snaps.

Williams is in the final year of his rookie deal. He showed signs of promise earlier in his career, but he hasn't been the same player since that major knee injury that cost him extensive time this season. As such, they might be better off just pulling the plug on him and clearing the way for someone like Ezeiuraku, who has yet to make his first career start.

His impact isn't the same as ex-Cowboy Micah Parsons and may never be, but Ezeiuraku has clearly proven himself, and if more playing time comes at Williams' expense, so be it.

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