Cowboys’ Sam Williams Named Among NFL’s Biggest Potential Roster Cuts

Sam Williams finds himself on the bubble following the addition of Von Miller.

Dallas Cowboys EDGE Sam Williams at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Von Miller signing with the Dallas Cowboys has received much attention, and understandably so. Miller is one of the best pass-rushers the league has ever seen, and he happens to play a position of dire need in Dallas.

Beyond his individual performance, Miller will impact the franchise by helping teach the younger players on the team how to become more effective. One overlooked impact, however, from Miller’s addition is that it will ultimately come at someone’s expense.

To make room for the two-time Super Bowl champion, the Cowboys are going to have to release one of their promising young players who are currently on the bubble. One player who could end up being given the pink slip is former second-round pick Sam Williams.

Sam Williams may need to look a fresh start

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams looks on during the game between Dallas and the Green Bay Packers. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Williams showed flashes early in his career with 8.5 sacks over the first two years, but hasn’t been as impactful since suffering a torn ACL ahead of the 2024 season. He was hoping to rebound in 2026, but Gary Davenport believes that Williams may need to look for a fresh start elsewhere as he named the Ole Miss product among the biggest names who could be released before the regular season.

“Williams may have to jump-start his career elsewhere. Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, rookie Malachi Lawrence and newly signed Von Miller appear to be locks for the 53-man roster. That could leave only one or two spots for Williams, Marist Liufau and James Houston, and Liufau is a core special teams contributor,” Davenport wrote.

“Williams would no doubt quickly get scooped up, but the truth is there may not be room for him in Dallas anymore.”

Who is Sam Williams’ main competition?

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Marist Liufau is the main person Williams needs to beat to make the roster. Davenport also mentioned James Houston, but he had 5.5 sacks last season and deserves a spot as a rotational EDGE.

As for Williams and Liufau, either one will be buried on the depth chart but can make an impact on special teams. Liufau is a critical part of that unit, which will help him. That said, Williams has also been a special teams contributor and even possesses enough speed that he has lined up as a gunner on the punt team.

This won’t be an easy decision for the front office, but whoever is left without a spot is sure to be in-demand elsewhere.

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