Cowboys $4.7 Million Defensive End Sends Bold Message Ahead of 2025 Season

Sam Williams is a popular breakout pick among Dallas Cowboys fans, and he also believes this is the year for the NFL world to learn his name.

After missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn ACL sustained in training camp, Williams shared his confidence in having a huge year in 2025.

Williams, the Cowboys’ second-round pick (No. 56) of the 2022 NFL Draft from Ole Miss, has 48 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight-and-a-half sacks and three fumble recoveries in 32 NFL games with Dallas.

The 2025 season will be Williams’ last year of his four-year contract he signed with the Cowboys, which means he can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

What Did Sam Williams Say About His Upcoming Season?

It’s hard to say the Cowboys are flying under the radar ever, since they command a large percentage of the NFL’s oxygen every season.

But Dallas has a rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer and new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Plus, the Cowboys are fresh off a season where they went 7-10 and had one of the worst defenses in the NFL and are widely predicted to finish third in the NFC East.

Dallas is expected to top only the lowly New York Giants and finish behind the reigning-champion Philadelphia Eagles and Jayden Daniels and the NFC runner-up Washington Commanders.

Williams hears the noise. But he’s also ready to shut it up.

“All that new coach, new this, new that don’t matter,” Williams said on the “Law Nation Sports” podcast. “I’ve been off [the field] for a year. [The NFL] is gonna feel me every game.”

Though his confidence may seem off-putting to some, Williams has the potential to back it up. He finished tied for fifth in 2022 with Jalen Pitre for NFL Defensive Player of the Year behind only Kayvon Thibodeaux, Rig Wooten, Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.

Though it’s been a slog for Williams to get back on the field, he’s confident he’ll end up with a full share of snaps, and when he gets them, he’ll show the NFL what can do.

“This is my year,” Williams said. “I’m going to give them a reason to keep me on the field.”

Where Does Sam Williams Fit With the Cowboys?

If healthy, Williams projects as a starting EDGE rusher opposite two-time All-Pro Micah Parsons. PFF rated Williams as one of the most underrated players ahead of the 2024 season until his injured his knee in late July.

But even with Williams slotted to start, and his confidence in a breakout season, there will still be competition for his position. Dante Fowler is back with the Cowboys after spending 2024 with the Commanders, and he’s coming off a 39-tackle, 10.5-sack campaign.

So Williams is confident, but he also sees the improved talent on the Cowboys roster. That added competition can only benefit Dallas’ defense, which was 28th in yards-against per game (355.2) and 31st in points-against per game (27.5) in 2024.

“Me being the way I am, and the younger guys competing, it’s not going to do anything but make the team better,” Williams said.