The Dallas Cowboys signaled they were looking for a veteran defensive end early in the offseason when they inquired about Maxx Crosby. After trading Micah Parsons last year, the Cowboys needed help on the edge. Dallas wound up signing Von Miller to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million.
Per Todd Archer of ESPN, the Cowboys released Sam Williams in part because of the Miller signing. More News: ESPN Analyst: Lamar Jackson, Ravens Could Be Heading for Divorce More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts "Sources: The Cowboys have released veteran edge rusher Sam Williams, who signed a one-year deal with $2 million guaranteed in March," Archer posted on X. "Von Miller addition took away an edge rusher spot on the 53." Williams, a second-round pick by Dallas in 2022, recorded 85 tackles, three forced fumbles, 22 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks during his time with the Cowboys.
In 2025, he appeared in 17 games for Dallas and started in five games. Williams knew he was facing pressure to make the 53-man roster during training camp. He said it pushed him to work harder in camp.
"And I took it in and I looked at myself in the mirror because you can’t get better unless you know what you’re doing wrong. So everything that I’ve seen, I try to fix. Like even in my room, it’s written on the mirror.
"At the end of the day, I just took all the negatives and, you know, look myself in the mirror. Not blaming no one else and just work. Put my head down and let my work speak for itself.” It remains to be seen if Williams draws any interest from other league teams in need of a defensive end before the start of the regular season.
Williams had his best pass-rushing season in 2023 when he recorded 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL and partially torn MCL in training camp. For more on the Cowboys and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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