As we edge closer to free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have a roster of 21 players poised to test the open market. Among them is Sam Williams, a defensive player whose journey through the 2025 season was anything but smooth.
2025 Season Recap: Sam Williams, at 26, had a rollercoaster year.
Coming off a missed 2024 season due to a torn ACL, expectations were sky-high for the former second-round pick. The Cowboys hoped he'd be a key asset in their pass rush.
However, Williams' 2025 campaign didn't quite hit the mark.
His regular season stats tell the story: 17 games, 474 defensive snaps, 270 of which were pass rush attempts, resulting in just 25 tackles, 24 pressures, 20 QB hurries, 7 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, and a single sack. Despite playing the most pass-rush snaps of his career, his production lagged behind, matching his 2023 pressure total but with significantly more opportunities.
Consistency was elusive for Williams. He started strong with 15 pressures in the first six games but fizzled out with only 9 pressures over the final 11 games. This decline saw his role diminish, logging 23 or fewer defensive snaps in four of the last six games, and under 10 pass rush snaps in three of those.
Free Agency Outlook: As Williams approaches free agency at 27, there's still a glimmer of hope for his future.
Despite not living up to his draft-day expectations, his early career flashes suggest untapped potential. Spotrac projects a one-year, $2.3M deal, a sensible figure given the uncertainties surrounding him.
A multi-year offer seems unlikely, positioning Williams to bet on himself and aim for a comeback season.
Cowboys' Perspective: For Dallas, the decision is tricky.
With a shortage of proven pass rushers, retaining Williams might have been a consideration had his performance been more promising. However, after a lackluster season, the prospect of a multi-year deal appears dim.
If new defensive coordinator Christian Parker sees potential in Williams fitting into his scheme, a budget-friendly return isn't off the table. Yet, the more probable scenario is that both parties will explore fresh starts, parting ways as Williams seeks to reignite his career elsewhere.