Dallas Cowboys Urged to Trade Edge Rusher Sam Williams
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The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 offseason with a clear directive: fix the pass rush. Owner Jerry Jones, often criticized for his conservative approach, went on a spending spree. The team attempted to pry Maxx Crosby away from the Las Vegas Raiders, but the deal never materialized. Undeterred, Jones pivoted aggressively. The Cowboys traded for Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary, signed future Hall of Famer Von Miller, and selected Malachi Lawrence in the NFL Draft. Suddenly, a position that once looked thin became crowded.
Now, the Cowboys have what some might call a luxury problem: too many edge rushers. Every NFL general manager will tell you there is no such thing as too much pass-rush depth, but the reality of the 53-man roster means hard choices must be made. The team has invested heavily in its defensive line, and not everyone can stay. Sam Williams, the 2022 second-round pick out of Ole Miss, finds himself on the bubble.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport published a list of players who could be traded before the final roster cutdown. He highlighted Williams as a prime candidate. "Sam Williams once appeared to be an ascending young edge-rusher for the Dallas Cowboys," Davenport wrote. "A second-round pick in 2022, he amassed 8.5 sacks over the first two years of his career. But injury wiped out his 2024 season, and he had just one sack despite playing a career-high 474 snaps a year ago." That injury was a torn ACL, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. While he returned to the field in 2025, his production did not match his early promise.
According to Spotrac, Williams has earned roughly $7 million in his NFL career. He is not an expensive asset, but he is also not a guaranteed contributor. The Cowboys could keep him as a rotational player or use him on special teams, but that would be a waste of a tradeable asset. With the league-wide demand for edge rushers, several teams are desperate for help. The roster deadline on Sunday means that over 1,100 players will be released or sent to practice squads across the NFL. Instead of simply cutting Williams, the Cowboys could flip him for a draft pick or a player at another position of need.
Williams' trajectory is a cautionary tale of the NFL's unforgiving nature. He entered the league with high expectations after a standout college career. His first two years showed flashes of dominance, but injuries derailed his momentum. Now, at 26 years old, he still has untapped potential. A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs. For the Cowboys, trading him is not about giving up on a player; it is about smart roster management. They have built a deep defensive line, and Williams is the odd man out.
The Cowboys' front office, led by Jones, has shown a willingness to make bold moves this offseason. Trading Williams would be another logical step. It would free up a roster spot for a younger player or a special teams contributor, and it would bring back value in return. The question is not whether the Cowboys can trade Williams, but what they can get for him. A late-round draft pick seems likely, but if a team is desperate, Dallas might even secure a conditional pick that could rise based on performance.
As the roster deadline looms, the Cowboys must decide. Keeping Williams means risking losing him for nothing if he is cut. Trading him means adding an asset while clearing a spot. Given the team's aggressive offseason, the smart money is on a deal getting done. Williams will likely be wearing a different uniform come Week 1.
Article commentary
The Dallas Cowboys' approach to building their defensive line this offseason represents a rare departure from their usual draft-and-develop philosophy. Jerry Jones, often faulted for clinging to veterans, instead went all-in on overhauling the edge-rusher room. The failed pursuit of Maxx Crosby, while disappointing, prompted a series of aggressive moves that reshaped the unit. Trading for Rashan Gary, signing Von Miller, and drafting Malachi Lawrence created a deep rotation that could be among the best in the NFC. Yet, this abundance also exposes a harsh reality of roster construction: talent alone does not guarantee a spot. Sam Williams' situation is a fascinating case study in NFL roster management. He was a promising second-round pick who delivered 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons, putting him on a trajectory toward becoming a staple of the Cowboys' defense. Then came the torn ACL, which erased his entire 2024 season. When he returned in 2025, he was a step slower, and the numbers reflected that. One sack in 474 snaps is a steep decline from his early production. The Cowboys are now faced with a decision that many teams confront: hold on to a player hoping he regains his form, or trade him while he still holds some value. From a purely analytical standpoint, trading Williams is the prudent move. The Cowboys have invested heavily in the position, and they have younger, cheaper options in Lawrence and other draft picks. Veteran presence like Miller provides leadership, and Gary is a proven starter. Williams, at this point, is a luxury. The NFL roster deadline forces teams to make tough choices, and Dallas has the leverage to demand a reasonable return. A late-round pick or a player swap for a position of need, such as offensive line depth, would be a smart use of an asset that might otherwise be waived. However, there is a counterargument. Williams is only 26, and his early career showed genuine talent. The Cowboys' defensive coaching staff, led by Mike Zimmer, might believe they can unlock his potential. The 2025 season was his first full year back from a major knee injury, and players often take a full season to regain their explosiveness. Selling low on a player who could bounce back would be a mistake. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles have a history of acquiring reclamation projects and turning them into productive contributors. The broader context of the Cowboys' roster strategy also matters. They have been criticized for being too loyal to underperforming players. Trading Williams would signal a shift toward a more ruthless, value-driven approach. It would also send a message to the locker room that performance and availability matter. The NFL is a business, and the Cowboys are acting like one. Ultimately, the decision hinges on the trade market. If another team is willing to offer a meaningful pick, the Cowboys should pull the trigger. If not, they might be better off keeping Williams as a depth piece, hoping he regains his form. The roster deadline on Sunday will force their hand. For now, the smart money is on a trade, but the Cowboys have surprised us before. Whether they trust their own development or take the sure thing, one thing is clear: the edge-rusher room is no longer a weakness—it's a strength with an awkward surplus.