'Free Me!' Does Dallas Cowboys DE Sam Williams Really Deserve More Playing Time?

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams issues a "bold'' statement to the coaching staff about his desire for more playing time.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams doesn't exactly seem happy with the way things are going in his current situation with the team.

He recently took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his disdain. And he did so rather cryptically with a picture of a caged dog with the caption, "Free me."

It seemed Williams had instant regret, or perhaps some second thoughts at least, on what he had decided to post to the social media platform. But, as they say, the Internet is forever and there are screenshots as several chimed in on Williams' caption. 

One person posted a picture of the tweet, captioned "Not sure what's going on here." Williams then quoted the post with the response, "It's so simple to understand tho."

But, is it?

Sam Williams

It seems clear Williams is referencing a lack of playing time here. There's been chatter about that much, especially after the kerfuffle he caused on X.

Williams earned his keep as a rookie, making the most of the opportunities he got as he worked behind Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler.

He finished out the 2022 season with 22 combined tackles (15 solo), 4.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He has a high ceiling from a tangibles perspective and it's something that shined through in the film as he played at the highest stage college football has to offer in the SEC.

But while there's certainly room for him to expand, it's also worth noting that to the coaches, he's obviously been outperformed by Armstrong and Fowler. (Not to mention Parsons and Lawrence). The numbers from both players are reflected in PFF's stats on hurrying the quarterback and generating pass rush.

‘I Believe in Sam Williams!’ - McCarthy

Also fair to note: Williams came to Dallas as a second-round pick with baggage. There are still blips on his behavioral radar screen that have caused analysts like our own Mike Fisher to suggest that he needs to "mature as a player and as a person.''

I've tried to explain the Sam Williams issues for the #Cowboys ... Hope he matures as a player and a person.

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) October 19, 2023

So, will the Cowboys "free" Williams and give him a chance at a larger role?

It's clear his frustration and attitude need to be addressed before they can finish the process of letting the dog out of the cage if they do decide to go that route.