The Dallas Cowboys, even without their All-Pro star Micah Parsons, boast a formidable group of edge rushers, creating a depth chart that may not remain intact through the 2025 season. With an abundance of talent at the position, the Cowboys are reportedly exploring trade options to stockpile NFL Draft picks, and one player who appears to be on the chopping block is veteran Sam Williams.
Williams, a former Ole Miss standout, has struggled to secure a consistent role in Dallas. His injury history, combined with the Cowboys’ recent investments in second-round picks Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku, has left Williams with limited opportunities for playing time. Despite his potential, the Cowboys seem ready to move on from what some are calling a failed experiment after just one active season.
The Cowboys’ depth at edge rusher makes Williams expendable, and a trade could benefit both the team and the player. Dallas is reportedly open to parting ways with Williams if they can find a trade partner willing to offer draft capital for the pass rusher. One potential destination could be in the competitive NFC West, where the Seattle Seahawks might provide Williams with a fresh start.
Seattle’s pass rush has been far from dominant, and their coaching staff includes familiar faces that could ease Williams’ transition. Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who previously served as the defensive line coach in Dallas under Mike McCarthy, knows Williams well. This connection likely played a role in Seattle’s recent acquisition of former Cowboys star Demarcus Lawrence, who spent a decade as one of Dallas’ top defensive players. Durde’s familiarity with Williams could make the Seahawks more comfortable taking a chance on the 26-year-old.
Williams’ production in Dallas has been modest, with only 8.5 sacks across his first two seasons and no playing time in 2024 due to injury. While he wouldn’t be expected to step into a starting role in Seattle, the Seahawks could offer him a better opportunity to contribute than his current situation, where he’s buried on the Cowboys’ depth chart. For Dallas, trading Williams could open up more snaps for Ezeiruaku, who has been turning heads in practice and appears poised for a bigger role.
From a trade perspective, the Cowboys aren’t expecting a massive haul for Williams, but a fifth-round pick would be a reasonable return for a player who might otherwise walk in free agency. Despite his injury concerns, Williams still possesses enough upside to develop into a quality role player for a team willing to invest in him. Seattle, meanwhile, isn’t likely to overpay, but dismissing Williams as damaged goods would be unfair given his potential.