The Dallas Cowboys are riding a wave of momentum right now - and it’s not hard to see why. After a rocky stretch that had fans questioning whether this team could stay in the playoff hunt, Dallas responded with a three-game win streak that included statement victories over both of last year’s Super Bowl teams. Even with a setback loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday, the Cowboys have reinserted themselves firmly into the postseason conversation.
But while the team as a whole is trending up, not every player is riding that same high. One name that stands out for all the wrong reasons: Sam Williams.
Williams, a fourth-year defensive end and former second-round pick, has seen his role steadily shrink in recent weeks - and the numbers tell the story. Despite logging a career-high in total snaps this season, his actual involvement has been on the decline as the year’s gone on.
The reason? A combination of underwhelming performance and the emergence of other options on the defensive front.
Let’s start with the snap count. In the Cowboys’ most recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Williams was on the field for just 19 snaps.
Compare that to Jadeveon Clowney’s 29 and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku’s 40, and the writing is on the wall. Williams is no longer part of the regular rotation - at least not in any significant way.
Clowney, the veteran edge rusher who many thought might just be a rotational piece at this stage of his career, has found new life in Dallas. He notched two sacks against Patrick Mahomes last week and has four total on the season, along with 12 pressures in nine appearances. That kind of production, especially from a player many assumed was past his prime, has made it easy for the coaching staff to lean on him over Williams.
Ezeiruaku, meanwhile, has brought a fresh burst of energy to the defensive line. The rookie’s increased snap count is a clear sign that defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is looking for more consistent impact - and right now, Williams isn’t providing it.
Statistically, it’s been a rough year. Williams has just one sack to his name and has struggled in both phases of the game.
Against the run, he’s been especially problematic. Pro Football Focus gave him a run defense grade of 43.6 - a number that reflects what’s been visible on tape: missed assignments, poor leverage, and a lack of physicality at the point of attack.
As a pass rusher, things haven’t been much better. His 55.2 grade in that department suggests he’s not generating the kind of pressure expected from someone drafted to be a disruptive force on the edge.
What complicates things further is that Williams is now in the final year of his rookie deal. And based on how this season has unfolded, it’s hard to imagine the Cowboys bringing him back.
It’s not just about the numbers - it’s about the trajectory. While others around him are stepping up and earning more snaps, Williams is fading into the background.
This isn’t the first time the Cowboys have had to reckon with a high draft pick not panning out. But it stings a little more when the team is surging and every roster spot feels like it matters that much more.
Williams came into the league with promise - a high-upside athlete out of Ole Miss with the tools to become a difference-maker. But tools only take you so far.
Production matters. Consistency matters.
And right now, Williams isn’t checking either box.
With Dallas eyeing a playoff run, the focus is shifting toward players who can contribute right now - not those still trying to find their footing. That’s the harsh reality of the NFL, especially on a team with championship aspirations.