The NFL has been intensifying its efforts to address player conduct detrimental to the league over the past few years, moving away from the era of the “Cocaine Cowboys.” Commissioner Roger Goodell is committed to making the league a positive example for American youth, consistently demonstrating that inappropriate behavior from NFL players will face consequences.
The latest case in point is the three-game suspension of Cowboys’ DE Sam Williams, stemming from a traffic stop in August 2023. This penalty, coming more than a year later, is relatively mild considering Williams’ history of off-field issues.
His troubles began with a speeding incident during his rookie season, and while the Cowboys were aware of his character concerns when they drafted him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they proceeded regardless. A subsequent offense could lead to a more significant suspension if Williams does not change his ways.
Aside from missing three games and losing $211,807 per game (totaling $635,421), Williams’ suspension will not impact him this season, as he is currently on season-ending injured reserve due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered during training camp in July. This injury was a significant setback for a player expected to have a major role in new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme.
Initially listed as a starter, Williams aimed to make a more substantial impact beyond special teams. Despite a crowded depth chart, he managed 4.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and seven QB hits as part of the rotation.
Now, the Cowboys’ defense is struggling without him. Thankfully for Williams, Goodell is allowing him to serve his suspension this season, even though he cannot play due to his knee injury.
Unfortunately, Williams’ situation foreshadowed further issues for Zimmer’s defensive line. Since the season began, the Cowboys have also lost Micah Parsons (high ankle sprain), DeMarcus “Tank” Lawrence (foot), and rookie Marshawn Kneeland (knee). These injuries compound the challenges posed by free agency departures of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., significantly thinning the Cowboys’ defensive end depth.
Williams is set to return in 2025, which will be a pivotal contract year for him. While I support players maximizing their earnings, this situation may be advantageous for Stephen Jones and the Cowboys. They have a history of signing injured players for less than their market value while they recover, as seen recently with RT Terence Steele and WR Michael Gallup.
I anticipate Williams may have a solid but unremarkable final contract year, leading the Cowboys to offer him below market value to stay in 2026.
