Williams was one of the big names cut by the Cowboys, and now the defensive end is on the lookout for a new NFL home.
The writing was on the wall for Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Sam Williams when the franchise signed Von Miller -- his roster spot was in jeopardy.
Then, as the 2022 second-round pick was still in the game in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys' preseason finale, it only reinforced that Sam's spot on the roster was on wafer-thin ice.
And as cutdown day has come and gone, Williams, in fact, was released by the Cowboys, ending his four-year career in Dallas.
Playing 49 games and managing 9.5 sacks across his time with the Cowboys, Williams looked to be on the rise before his ACL injury in camp in 2024, and he never regained his form.
Managing 4.0 sacks in his rookie season and then following that up with 4.5 the next year, Williams was on the rise, but his injury set him back.
Plus, Williams had a knack for making bone-headed plays and costly penalties on special teams and defense, which often drew intense criticism from Cowboys Nation.
Despite Williams signing a one-year deal this offseason, most knew that his roster spot was anything but a formality.
And then, with Miller signed, not only did it put pressure on Sam, but it also highlighted what the Cowboys thought of their edge rushers. They weren't good enough.
Part of the roster cuts, Williams will be on the lookout for his next NFL opportunity, as I am sure another team will take a flyer on him.
We have seen flashes of his potential, but it has been just that, flashes, and for a second-round pick, you want more consistency, and Williams struggled with that.
But he doesn't seem too bothered by the cut, posting "Thank you Dallas" on his Instagram page.
The next couple of days are going to be interesting for players who have recently been cut, as other NFL teams will be scouring the waiver wire to see who they can pick up and add to their roster.
Could Williams find a new NFL home? Absolutely.
Just because it doesn't work out with one team doesn't mean it won't with another, and I am sure Sam will get an NFL lifeline in the coming days. ... with some fans hoping he somehow gets called back to the Cowboys practice squad.
But right now? The "thank you'' seems like a "goodbye.''
