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Sam Williams returns to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2026 season after four years, aiming for a career turnaround. His performance could significantly impact the team's revamped defense.
Many would not have expected Sam Williams to get a fifth season in Dallas after his first four years. But heâs back in 2026 with a chance at career redemption and to finally reward the Cowboys for their original investment. How does this prototypical âprove itâ season look for Williams, and what could it mean for Dallasâ overhauled defense?
Years in NFL:Â 4
Acquired by:Â 2022 2nd-round pick
When the Cowboys took Williams with the 56th-overall pick in 2022, it was with the hope that heâd develop into Micah Parsonsâ eventual wingman. It didnât have to be right away: DeMarcus Lawrence was 30 but still a quality starter, Dorance Armstrong had just received a two-year extension, and theyâd added veteran Dante Fowler in free agency. So while a second-round pick, Williams wasnât going to be asked to do immediate heavy lifting.
Williamsâ first two years were a mix of flashed potential and red flags for his future. He had four sacks as a rookie and 4.5 in 2023 as a rotation player. His ability to get after the QB was clear, but he had multiple penalties for roughing or other personal fouls that mitigated the positives. He also had maturity issues off the field, with three driving incidents from December 2022 to August 2023, the last of which included an arrest for marijuana possession and an unlawful weapon.
2024 offered great potential for Williams to prove himself as a future asset. Armstrong and Fowler followed Dan Quinn to Washington, leaving a big gap in the rotation. It was Williamsâ to lose, with many hoping for a third-year leap and perhaps the rise of a future starter. But on just fourth day of training camp, Williamsâ season ended with a torn ACL.
Sam Williams has spent four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, having been drafted as a 2nd-round pick in 2022.
The 2026 season is seen as a 'prove it' year for Sam Williams as he aims to redeem his career and fulfill the expectations set by the Cowboys.
Key defensive players alongside Sam Williams include Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler.
Williams' return could provide depth and potential improvement to the Cowboys' overhauled defense, which is looking to enhance its performance.

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Last year, Williamsâ return was caught up in the mess of Matt Eberflusâ defense. While he did play all 17 games and even start five, Williams only managed one sack. By the end of the year his share of the defensive snaps was dropping. But it wasnât all bad: Williams emerged as a playmaker on special teams with a blocked punt and blocked field goal in separate games. Those plays may be why heâs still with Dallas now.
**Years Left:**1
2026 Cap Hit:$2.5 million
With his rookie deal up, Williams didnât even spend a whole day in free agency. On March 11th, he signed a one-year contract to return to Dallas. The deal has incentives for playing time and sack totals: a true âprove itâ deal for the 27-year-old with his NFL career potentially on the line. With at least $2 million in guaranteed money, the Cowboys have made a decent commitment to seeing Williamsâ second chance through.
**Role:**Backup OLB
**Roster Chance:**70%
Not only does Williamsâ contract suggest heâll make the roster, but so does the overall picture at outside linebacker. The top three is pretty clear: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Rashan Gary, and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence will be the focus. The fourth spot probably belongs to James Houston right now, but thatâs at least where Williams should be competitive. Dallas will probably keep at least five OLBs, and Williams feels like the current favorite for at least that fifth spot. And if heâs now full recovered from the 2024 knee injury, he could push for more.
There are some other contenders: Marist Liufauâs moving to EDGE and Dallas brought back Tyrus Wheat in free agency. Thereâs also the versatility of Jaishawn Barham, who may be focusing on ILB as a rookie but could factor into the pass rush as well. So Williams wonât go unchallenged for his spot, which is probably a good thing for his focus.
As mentioned before, Williamsâ special teams performance in 2025 will also work in his favor. Even if he ends up further down the roster than heâd like, special teams may keep him from sliding off it completely. But while this helps establish his floor, many feel that the move to playing 3-4 OLB will suit Williams better than his time in Eberflusâ or even Quinnâs defenses. If health and maturity are now on his side, Sam Williams could be a in a good position to capitalize on the Cowboysâ loyalty.
Check out our previous player profiles from this series: