Cowboys Re-Sign DE Sam Williams to $3 Million Contract

Dallas brings back veteran pass rusher to bolster defense under new coordinator

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed defensive end Sam Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract. Williams, a fifth-year player, has recorded 9.5 sacks in his Cowboys career so far. He missed the 2024 season due to injury but returned in 2025. With the departure of star linebacker Micah Parsons, the Cowboys will need big contributions from Williams as they implement a new defensive scheme under first-time coordinator Christian Parker.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to retool their defense after a disappointing 2025 season. Retaining Williams, who has been a productive pass rusher when healthy, is an important move as they transition to a new defensive coordinator and scheme. His experience and ability to get to the quarterback will be crucial as the team aims to improve on that side of the ball.

The details

The Cowboys signed Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract to keep the veteran defensive end in Dallas. Williams has recorded 9.5 sacks in his first four NFL seasons, including a career-high 4 sacks in 2023. He missed the 2024 campaign due to a torn ACL and MCL but returned to the lineup in 2025. With the blockbuster trade of star linebacker Micah Parsons, the Cowboys will need Williams to step up as a key part of their pass rush under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is implementing a multiple hybrid scheme featuring 4-2-5 and 3-4 looks.

  • Williams signed his new one-year contract with the Cowboys on March 10, 2026.
  • He missed the entire 2024 NFL season due to a torn ACL and MCL injury.

The players

Sam Williams

A fifth-year defensive end who has recorded 9.5 sacks in his career with the Dallas Cowboys. He missed the 2024 season due to a knee injury but returned in 2025.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, hired away from the rival Philadelphia Eagles. He is implementing a multiple hybrid defensive scheme featuring 4-2-5 and 3-4 looks.

Jalen Thompson

A safety the Cowboys acquired in free agency to help bolster their defense alongside the re-signing of Sam Williams.

Micah Parsons

The star linebacker who was traded by the Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers this offseason, leaving a void that Williams and others will need to help fill.

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who broke from tradition by hiring Christian Parker as the team's new defensive coordinator rather than promoting from within or hiring a former defensive coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“The #Cowboys are bringing back DE Sam Williams on a one-year, $3 million deal, per me and @SlaterNFL. He returns to Dallas on a deal negotiated by his agent @AndreOdom.”

— Mike Garafolo, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look for Williams to be a key contributor on their revamped defense as they implement the new scheme under coordinator Christian Parker. His ability to get to the quarterback will be crucial, especially with the departure of star linebacker Micah Parsons.

The takeaway

By re-signing Sam Williams to a $3 million contract, the Cowboys are betting on the veteran defensive end to be a key piece of their defensive turnaround in 2026. His pass-rushing skills will be vital as Dallas transitions to a new defensive coordinator and scheme, aiming to improve on a disappointing 2025 season.