Veteran edge rusher named trade candidate for Dallas Cowboys

The 2026 NFL season is rapidly approaching, but it's not too late for teams to make some last-minute moves before the season starts. 

When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, ne particular player has been named as a potential trade candidate. 

Defensive end Sam Williams named trade candidate for Dallas Cowboys 

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently named veteran defensive end Sam Williams as a trade candidate for the Cowboys. Knox pointed to the team's depth at the position and the cap space that could be created by a deal as reasons why they should consider moving Williams. 

"... The influx of edge-defenders will limit the opportunities for 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams, who returned to Dallas on a one-year deal in free agency. Williams has flashed promise during his time with the Cowboys, recording 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. However, he may now be more valuable to the Cowboys as a trade chip than as a part-time contributor," Knox wrote. 

"Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones recently hinted at a willingness to add win-now talent to the Cowboys' roster. Moving Williams could help bring in a more impactful player or, at least, make a trade more financially feasible. Dallas has just $5.1 million in cap space and could create another $1.9 million in space by trading Williams." 

It remains to be seen how much Williams will actually see the field in Dallas next season. If he doesn't project as a legitimate contributor, it might make sense for the Cowboys to test the market. 

If Williams does remain in Dallas, he's optimistic about how he fits into the team's updated defensive scheme implemented by new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. 

“I like this game. Like I said, this is where I started in this kind of scheme at Ole Miss,” Williams said. “I was very successful at that. And I feel like I’m gonna be very successful at this scheme.”

This story will be updated. 

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