The Dallas Cowboys came up short against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, and while that loss doesn’t mathematically eliminate them from playoff contention, it certainly narrows the margin for error. After three straight playoff appearances not too long ago, the Cowboys now find themselves staring down the possibility of missing the postseason for the second year in a row. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise with championship aspirations.
But even in a season that’s trending toward disappointment, there are reasons to stay engaged. These final four games won’t just be about playing out the string - they’ll serve as a proving ground for players fighting for roles in 2026 and beyond. And nowhere is that more important than at edge rusher, where the Cowboys have some major decisions looming.
Let’s start with the knowns. Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku has been a bright spot.
The first-year pass rusher has shown flashes of real potential and looks like a player the Cowboys can build around on the edge. He’s under contract for three more seasons, giving Dallas some stability at a position that’s otherwise full of question marks.
Beyond Ezeiruaku, it’s a bit of a revolving door. The Cowboys brought in a quartet of edge rushers this past offseason - Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, Payton Turner, and James Houston.
But only Houston is signed beyond this year. Clowney, Fowler, and Turner are all on one-year deals and set to hit free agency again in 2026.
That leaves the Cowboys with some choices to make - and one name that shouldn’t be forgotten in the shuffle is Sam Williams.
Williams, a second-round pick in 2022, has had an up-and-down run in Dallas. He posted at least four sacks in each of his first two seasons, carving out a role as a productive rotational piece. But a knee injury wiped out his entire 2024 campaign, and his path back to relevance this year has been anything but straightforward.
With Micah Parsons traded in the offseason, there was an early opportunity for Williams to step into a larger role. And to start the year, he did just that - leading all Cowboys edge rushers in defensive snaps through the first two games.
But that momentum didn’t last. As Clowney settled in and Ezeiruaku emerged, Williams saw his snap count dip.
Still, he remains the next man up behind the top two, and his role - while reduced - hasn’t disappeared.
What makes Williams such an intriguing figure is the mix of potential and volatility. The Cowboys drafted him with high expectations, but there have been bumps along the way.
Off the field, he served a three-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after a 2023 arrest. While the suspension didn’t cost him any playing time - he was already sidelined with injury - it did cost him over $200,000 in lost wages.
On the field, Williams has drawn criticism for his discipline - or lack thereof. He’s been flagged for a handful of costly penalties, including unnecessary roughness and illegal hands to the face.
And his 2023 season on special teams was a rollercoaster, as he managed to rack up roughing the kicker, running into the kicker, and fair catch interference all in one year. That’s not exactly the kind of hat trick coaches celebrate.
But for all the miscues, Williams still finds ways to contribute. This season, he’s quietly made plays when given the chance - both on defense and special teams. He may not generate the same buzz as Clowney or Ezeiruaku, but he’s been a steady presence when called upon.
Looking ahead, Williams’ future in Dallas is very much in play. His three-year résumé isn’t flashy, but it’s solid enough to warrant another look - especially if the price is right.
He’s not likely to command a big deal on the open market, which could open the door for a short-term, team-friendly extension. Think of it as a bridge deal - something similar to what the Cowboys once did with Dorance Armstrong before he cashed in elsewhere.
The Cowboys are expected to target an edge rusher in the upcoming draft, and that makes sense. Pairing a top-tier rookie with Ezeiruaku could give them a dynamic duo to build around.
But rookies need time, and that’s where veterans like Williams come in. Whether it’s re-signing Clowney, bringing in another experienced pass rusher, or giving Williams another shot, Dallas will need depth and leadership in the room.
So while the playoff picture may be fading, the next four games still matter - especially for players like Sam Williams. He’s got a chance to remind the Cowboys why they invested a second-round pick in him. And if he can clean up the penalties and continue making plays, he might just earn himself another chapter in Dallas.