6 Cowboys Defenders on Thin Ice After Mike Zimmer Hiring

3. Sam Williams, EDGE

We could see a breakout season incoming for Sam Williams in 2024, but he's going to have to do his part to make sure the Cowboys are comfortable guaranteeing him a bigger role under a new defensive coordinator.

Williams has played somewhat sparingly on defense over his first two seasons in the league. The former second-round pick played just 273 snaps as a rookie and 303 snaps this past season. He's been efficient on a per-snap basis with 21 pressures, 16 QB hits, 15 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in those 576 total snaps. Considering that would be roughly a 55-60 percent workload for a full-time player, it's apparent that Williams is ready to have his role increased.

But it won't come with Dan Quinn calling the shots.

The Cowboys will likely be losing both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason off the edge, paving the way for Williams to shine. But if the Cowboys are going to ask Mike Zimmer to rely on him more, then Williams is going to have to come up big. He currently would slot as the top reserve rusher off the edge behind Micah Parsons and veteran DeMarcus Lawrence.

Is Williams ready for the pressure?