Sam Williams’ Diminishing Role Casts Doubt on His Future with Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys’ season has taken a positive turn. The team won three consecutive games to re-enter the playoff picture. However, not every player is sharing in the success.

Defensive lineman Sam Williams is seeing his role shrink. The 2022 second-round pick has watched his snaps decrease significantly during this critical stretch. This trend raises serious questions about his future with the franchise.

Veterans and Rookies Leapfrog Struggling Defender

The Cowboys are choosing experience and new talent over Williams. Veteran Jadeveon Clowney has taken a large portion of the available snaps. Clowney recorded two sacks against the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing his season total to four.

Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku is also playing more. In the key game against Kansas City, Ezeiruaku played 40 defensive snaps. Clowney was on the field for 29. Williams managed just 19 snaps, a glaring reduction.

His performance metrics explain the demotion. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams holds a poor 43.6 grade against the run this season. His pass-rushing grade is only slightly better at 55.2. These numbers confirm what the coaching staff has seen on the field.

Another High Draft Pick May Be Wasted for Jerry Jones

This situation represents a potential roster management failure. Using a second-round selection on a defensive lineman is a significant investment. The team expected Williams to develop into a cornerstone pass rusher.

That development has not happened. Williams has just one sack this year despite a career-high in total snaps. His struggles have forced the coaching staff to seek other options, as reported by ESPN analysts covering the team.

The consequence is likely a departure in the offseason. Williams is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Cowboys are unlikely to offer him a new deal based on his current trajectory. This would mark another high draft pick that did not pan out for the organization.

The declining usage of Sam Williams is a clear signal. The Dallas Cowboys are moving on from their former second-round investment. His future with the team appears all but over.

Thought you’d like to know

Why are Sam Williams’ snaps decreasing?

The Cowboys’ coaching staff is opting for more effective players. Veterans like Jadeveon Clowney provide consistent pressure, while rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku offers more upside.

What were Sam Williams’ draft expectations?

As a 2022 second-round pick, Williams was expected to become a key pass rusher. Analysts cited his athleticism and potential to disrupt opposing quarterbacks quickly.

How has Jadeveon Clowney performed?

Clowney has been a productive veteran addition. He has four sacks and 12 pressures this season, providing the reliable edge presence Williams has not.

Will the Cowboys release Sam Williams?

His contract expires after this season. All indications suggest the team will not re-sign him, making him a free agent in 2025.

What is Williams’ biggest weakness?

His performance against the run has been a major issue. NFL Network reports have highlighted his difficulties in setting the edge and containing running plays.