Cowboys’ Sam Williams Faces Uncertain Future Amid Declining Role

The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes received a recent boost. A three-game winning streak revitalized the team’s season. However, not every player is sharing in the renewed optimism.Defensive lineman Sam Williams is seeing his role diminish. The 2022 second-round pick has watched his snap count drop significantly. This trend raises serious questions about his future with the franchise.

Veterans Outperform Struggling Second-Round Pick

Williams played just 19 snaps in a key game against Kansas City. Veteran Jadeveon Clowney took 29 snaps in that same contest. Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku was on the field for 40 defensive plays.The snap distribution tells a clear story. Coaches currently trust others more. Clowney, signed late in the offseason, has four sacks and consistent pressure.Williams has only one sack this entire season. His performance against the run has been particularly poor. According to Pro Football Focus, his run defense grade is a dismal 43.6.His pass-rush grade is not much better. It sits at just 55.2 for the year. The analytics confirm what the snap counts suggest.

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The situation points toward a parting of ways next offseason. Williams is in the final year of his rookie contract. The team is unlikely to offer him a new deal.This would mark another high draft pick that did not pan out. Team owner Jerry Jones has faced criticism for several recent selections. The defensive line was a major area of intended investment.The Cowboys’ recent defensive success came without heavy reliance on Williams. This further diminishes his perceived value. The organization may simply cut its losses.The focus will shift to developing Ezeiruaku and other younger players. Managing the salary cap effectively is also a priority. Letting Williams walk becomes the logical football decision.

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The declining role of Sam Williams underscores a difficult reality for the Cowboys. Another early draft investment appears to have failed. The team must now move forward without him.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why is Sam Williams playing fewer snaps?

Coaches are opting for more reliable veterans and rookies. Jadeveon Clowney and Donovan Ezeiruaku are taking the majority of defensive end snaps. Williams’ performance, especially against the run, has not justified more playing time.

Q2: What are Sam Williams’ stats this season?

He has recorded just one sack in 2024. His Pro Football Focus grades are very low, including a 43.6 in run defense. These numbers have contributed to his reduced role on the field.

Q3: Will the Cowboys re-sign Sam Williams?

It appears very unlikely. He is in the final year of his rookie contract. His performance decline makes a new deal improbable for the Dallas front office.

Q4: Who is replacing Sam Williams on the field?

Veteran free agent Jadeveon Clowney and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku are getting his snaps. Clowney has been productive, while Ezeiruaku offers potential for future development.

Q5: When was Sam Williams drafted?

The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 56th overall pick that year, coming out of the University of Mississippi.