The NFL has suspended Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams for three games due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
Williams has been on injured reserve throughout the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during training camp drills in August, which required season-ending surgery. The suspension will result in a loss of pay for the next three weeks, but he is eligible for reinstatement on November 11 and will not miss any games when he returns from injury.
In 2023, Williams was arrested twice for traffic-related incidents. After being pulled over in Frisco, Texas, shortly after the team returned from training camp in California, he faced charges for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon. This incident occurred seven months after he was charged with reckless driving following a crash just before Christmas 2022, where he was driving nearly 100 mph and swerving through traffic, colliding with a vehicle driven by a 71-year-old woman. Fortunately, neither driver sustained serious injuries.
Prior to his injury this year, the 6-foot-4, 261-pound Williams was anticipated to play a larger role as an edge rusher, especially after the departures of defensive end Dorance Armstrong and outside linebacker Dante Fowler during the offseason.
A second-round draft pick from Mississippi in 2022, Williams has participated in 32 regular-season games over the last two seasons, including all 17 games last year, and has recorded 8 1/2 career sacks.
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Cowboys Encouraged to Trade ‘First-Ballot Hall of Famer’ Before NFL Deadline
It’s uncommon for NFL linemen to be traded at the league’s annual deadline, primarily because a line must develop cohesion, leveraging each other’s strengths and compensating for weaknesses. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, there have been more weaknesses than strengths.
This context makes a suggestion from USA Today’s Cowboys Wire particularly interesting. Amid discussions about potential trade acquisitions to address the team’s issues, it might be wise to consider this season a reset year. In that light, selling valuable players could be the best course of action.
Players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb are not on the trading block. However, outside of these stars, right guard Zack Martin stands out as one of the Cowboys’ best players. He has been a starter since his rookie season in 2014, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro honors.
Now may be the right time to explore trading him.
Cowboys Going Young Up Front
At 33, Martin’s performance has declined this season, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of just 68.1, ranking him 29th out of 79 tackles in the NFL. Contributing factors include the influx of youth on the offensive line, with rookie Cooper Beebe stepping in at center and fellow rookie Tyler Guyton at left tackle, as well as a change in scheme.
However, age is also a factor. It might be beneficial for both Martin and the Cowboys to facilitate a trade that allows him a chance to compete for a title while netting a draft pick for the team. Analyst KD Drummond noted in his piece, “5 Cowboys who Jerry Jones should consider trading before deadline”:
“Martin is not the same player who has been considered the best in the league for the majority of his career. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer who has set the standard for interior line play for his generation. At this point, he’s still well above replacement level and there’s a very strong chance his decline is related to the scheme he’s being asked to play under Mike Solari.
“A fresh start could easily see a career rejuvenation.”
Zack Martin a Plug-&-Play OL Option
Trading an offensive lineman mid-season is challenging, but Martin’s talent and experience make him an exception—a plug-and-play option for teams needing improved performance up front.
If the Cowboys are serious about rejuvenating their line, trading Martin could be a strategic first step.
